Voyaging into the past can be an enlightening journey, especially when piecing together the military history of our ancestors. Military records, often rich with personal and service details, can provide unparalleled insights into the lives of those who served in the armed forces. From understanding the basic structure of military archives to navigating complex records such as service documents, pension files, and operational records, we go through the essential steps to uncover your family’s military past.
Contents
Understanding Military Archives
Military archives are invaluable resources for genealogical research, particularly for those whose ancestors served in the armed forces. These archives hold a wealth of information that can illuminate the personal and professional lives of servicemen and women.
What Are Military Archives?
Military archives are specialized repositories that preserve records created by or related to the armed forces. These documents are kept to maintain a historical record of military activities, personnel, and operations. These archives differ from regular national or state archives because they focus specifically on military matters, encompassing everything from individual service records to broad operational reports.
Types of Records Held in Military Archives
Understanding the variety of documents maintained in military archives can help genealogists focus their research efforts more effectively. Here, we discuss several key types of records you might encounter.
Service Records
Service records are among the most valuable documents for genealogists. They typically include detailed information about an individual’s military career, such as enlistment date, units served, ranks held, engagements participated in, and discharge date. These records may also contain personal details like date of birth, physical descriptions, and next of kin [1].
Pension Records
Pension records can provide insights into a veteran’s post-service life and financial history. These documents often include applications for disability or retirement pensions, which can reveal health information, length of service, and family members dependent on the veteran. Pension records sometimes contain supporting documents like marriage certificates, birth records of children, and death certificates, which are goldmines for genealogists.
Medal and Award Rolls
Medals and awards are given for various reasons, from participation in specific battles to acts of bravery. Rolls and records of these awards can provide context to an ancestor’s military experience and recognize their achievements. These records often include citations that can offer a narrative description of why the individual received the honor.
Casualty Lists
Casualty lists are somber yet important records for understanding the sacrifices made by military personnel. These lists document individuals who were killed, wounded, missing, or taken prisoner. They can provide details about the circumstances of these events, which are crucial for family histories and understanding the broader impact of military conflicts on families.
Operational Records
Operational records cover the broader aspects of military engagements and can include details of campaigns, battles, and movements of units. While they do not typically focus on individuals, these records can help place an ancestor’s service in a larger context, providing a backdrop that explains where and how they served.
Key Military Archives Around the World
Military archives are essential resources for genealogical research, providing access to records that illuminate the service histories of military personnel. Different countries maintain their own archives, each with unique collections and access procedures.
The National Archives (USA)
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in the United States is a vital repository for those researching American military history.
Collections Overview
NARA holds an extensive range of military records dating back to the Revolutionary War. This includes compiled service records, pension files, bounty land warrant applications, draft registration cards, and more. Each record type provides different insights into the service and personal lives of veterans [2].
Accessing Records Online and In-Person
Many of NARA’s military records are available online through their catalog and digital archives, as well as through third-party websites like Ancestry.com and Fold3.com. For records that are not digitized, researchers can visit the National Archives in person at their locations across the country, where public access computers and assistance from archivists are available.
The National Archives (UK)
The National Archives of the United Kingdom houses a vast collection of military records that document the service of individuals in the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force.
Key Collections Relevant to Genealogy
British military records include service records, pension records from various military branches, medal rolls, and naval battle logs. Noteworthy collections include World War I service records, commonly known as the “Burnt Documents,” which were partially destroyed during World War II.
Tips for Using the Archives
The UK National Archives offers a wealth of resources online, including digitized records and research guides. For those who need access to non-digitized records, a visit to the archive in Kew, London might be necessary. Online tutorials and research guides provided by the archives can help users navigate the catalog and make the most of their research trip.
Other Notable Archives
Several other countries have established comprehensive archives that serve as invaluable resources for researching military ancestors.
Bundesarchiv (Germany)
Germany’s Federal Archive, or Bundesarchiv, holds military records primarily from the period after 1867. These include personnel records from the Prussian Army, the Reichswehr, the Wehrmacht, and the Bundeswehr. Access is available both online and at various archive locations throughout Germany, though understanding German archival terminology is beneficial [3].
Service Historique de la Défense (France)
France’s Service Historique de la Défense (SHD) is located in Vincennes, just outside of Paris. It holds military records including those of the French Army, Navy, and Air Force. The archives are open to the public, but many of the records are not digitized and require in-person consultation.
Canadian Archives and Record Management
Library and Archives Canada (LAC) offers extensive collections of military records, from colonial militias to modern Canadian Forces. Key collections include personnel records from both World Wars, the Korean War, and extensive documentation of Canada’s peacekeeping efforts. Digital access is growing, with many records available online and others accessible through onsite research.
How to Access and Utilize Military Records
Accessing and utilizing military records for genealogical research can be a rewarding yet complex endeavor. These records, often housed in various national and military archives, contain detailed personal and service information essential for building a comprehensive family history.
Preparing for Your Search
Before diving into military archives, it’s crucial to gather as much information as possible about your military ancestor. This preparatory step ensures that your search is both efficient and fruitful.
Information You Need Before You Start
To make the most out of military archives, begin by collecting key details about the ancestor in question. This includes full name, birth date, death date, service period, rank, and branch of service. If possible, gather specific details like unit or regiment and any known engagements or deployments. This information can help pinpoint the exact records relevant to your search.
Understanding the Structure of Military Records
Military records are organized differently from other types of archival material. Understanding how these records are structured will aid in navigating through them more effectively. Military records can be categorized by era, branch, unit, and type of record (such as service records, pension files, or operational records). Familiarizing yourself with this structure will help you in both online searches and in-archive navigation [4].
Step-by-Step Guide to Accessing Records
Once you have prepared for your search, the next step is to actually access the military records. This can be done both online and in person, depending on the archive and the availability of the records.
Online Databases and Resources
Many military records are available online through various databases. Key resources include:
- National archives’ websites, like those of the USA or UK, which often provide digital copies of military records.
- Subscription-based genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com, Fold3.com, and Findmypast.com, which specialize in military records.
- Free sites such as FamilySearch.org, which also host a range of military records, though coverage can vary.
Navigating these databases requires specific search strategies tailored to each site’s interface and search capabilities. Utilize filters and advanced search options where available to narrow down results effectively.
Visiting Physical Archives
For records that are not available online, visiting a physical archive may be necessary. Here’s how to make the most of an in-person visit:
- Contact the archive ahead of your visit to understand their catalog system, access rules, and whether you need to schedule your visit.
- Prepare to take notes or request copies of documents. Some archives allow photography, while others might charge for photocopying services.
- Make use of archive staff and resources. Archivists can provide assistance and may help uncover additional paths for your research that you hadn’t considered.
References
[1] Genealogy Research in Military Records
[2] How do I find ancestors that served in the Revolutionary War?
[3] Military Records for Genealogy Research: Getting Started
[4] Genealogy: Searching for U.S. Military Records
