IWM's extensive collections are a practical resource to help trace individuals and put their wartime experiences into context.

Although we do not hold personal service records for the British Army, this research guide explains how to trace this key information, what other sources are available at IWM, and how you can start your family history research for those who served with the British Army from the First World War to present day. 

The British Army has undergone a number of re-organisations throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, with units expanding, disbanding, merging or being re-named. Many personnel records from the First World War were destroyed or damaged during the Second World War. Personnel who served in subsequent conflicts may still be alive so their records remain confidential. This can make it difficult to trace an individual but a variety of sources can provide clues. 

Our British Army research guide

Use our guide to access resources when conducting research on individuals who served with the British Army. 

  • A British Army soldier collects his demobilisation documents from a colleague who is sat behind a desk.
    IWM (BU 12270)

    British Army Service Records

    Discover how to locate and access service records for individuals who served in the British Army. 

  • Three First World War nurses stand in the doorway to an RAMC ambulance train. All three nurses are looking to something off screen, one is pointing.
    IWM (Q 8738)

    Casualty Records

    Casualty records may list those missing, wounded, taken prisoner, killed in action or died as a result of their war service. Learn more about how to locate casualty records of an individual who served with the British Army. 

  • Six medals awarded to Captain Sigismund Payne Best for his First World War service
    IWM (OMD 1464)

    Medal Records

    Medal Records are another useful resource when conducting research on an individual. This page explains how to trace British Army medal records. 

  • A line of Indian troops in uniform pass bomb shattered buildings on the outskirts of Cassino town
    IWM (NA 12895)

    Unit and operational histories

    This page explains how to trace unit and operational histories. Official unit war diaries can contain daily accounts and records of units on active service, and unit histories are a useful secondary source. 

  • General view of the well stocked library available to students at the Army Education Centre in Singapore
    IWM (SE 7317)

    Other sources

    This page provides a list of additional resources you can use when tracing British Army history.  

  • Post woman moving off on a bicycle after clearing the mail from a letter box.
    IWM (Q 30962)

    Contact addresses

    We have compiled a list of useful contact addresses and websites for tracing British Army history. 

     

     

You can also search for information about First World War servicemen and women in our permanent digital memorial, Lives of the First World War.