Genealogy Chat

Ann - the records are available on Ancestry.UK - I dont know if they are available to other counties. And yes, you have to pay.

So far they have only uploaded to names beginning with A-N.

Maryjane-Sue

Could you please tell me where you obtained this information as I would like to find details of my relatives as well. Did you have to pay? (Or is that a stupid question?).

Ann

Hi Lynn,

I didnt know that about the CWGC and being able to get photos of graves - I shall keep that in mind. Thanks!

I cant wait for the next update as my grandfather was a Redfearn and was killed in action in WWI - I know very little about him and his siblings but do have his medals.

Sue

I too have found relatives on Ancestry's military records. One joined the army as a band lad after spending 6 and a half years in an industrial school..who were his legal guardians. Curious to know more I followed it up and e-mailed the school's archives. They were very helpful and sent me details. The poor lad was found homeless, wandering the streets of London at the age of 9. I know that he was very musically gifted from the school reports and that he had red hair and brown eyes. He went on to fight and then settle and marry.
Also, if you look on the Commonwealth war graves site and request a photo they will post or e-mail a picture of your soldiers grave for a donation of between £3 and £5. As long as you know the details and where that soldier is buried. I have two photo's from France which my family had never seen. It is sad but it kind of finalises things.

Hi Mary Jane,

When I was looking for my great grandfather I searched his name, I was only looking for census with him in, and it came up a match in the Military Records, I thought hmmmmmmmm our Michael was in WWI, I will look at this. And too my wonder, my great grandfather came up his name, height, colour of eyes, hair colour, chest measurement, religion, occupation, next of kin, the addresss there lived at, his children. I told my mum and she started to cry with emotion I started as well.Shortly after, a couples of months after, we found another match with more records of him in the Army.

I just wish I knew who put on those records of him, just too say a personal thank you.

I've found several RN records for WW1.

I do have my grandfather's original RN record as well - but the online one from the NA is much the same.

I thought that they were a fairly complete set on there - didn't realise there were gaps ...

Jill

Yes, I have one for my uncle Jill, but there are fewer records available for the navy than the army. Hopefully one day they will also become available.

Have you looked on the CWGC site for his details

http://www.cwgc.org/debt_of_honour.asp



Or on this one for photos and details of the cemetery where he lies

http://ww1cemeteries.com/ww1frenchcemeteries/index.html

George

The navy records contain physical descriptions Heather - but not nearly as much info as the one that Maryjane has found.

I sent off for WW1 records for my OH's grandfather who served for the CEF. They were amazing. Had about 60 pages from them.

Jill

Im just choked that all of mine were in the Navy :(

What a wonderful wealth of information they contain!

I have just looked up the records of a cousin and from them I have learned his full name, height, weight, chest measurement, hair and eye colours and complexion and that his physical development was good. He also had a brown mole on his left buttock and 2 white scars on his back. His religion was Wesleyan and his occupation was a clerk.

I knew that he was born in Wales and was living in Manchester in 1901 but now know he moved back to Wales at some time.

During his service he suffered from boils on his lips twice, tonsilitis twice and scabies. He was killed in action at Somme in France and that he was awarded 3 medals.

I have also learned that at least one brother and sister emigrated to Australia and another to New Zealand. I now know the married name of another sister and that both his parent had died before he enlisted. And that he had a half brother I knew nothing about!

There is also a lovely letter written to the war office by his sister in his file and instructions that she should receive her brother's paperwork and his medals should be posted to a brother in Australia.

I cant wait to look for more!