Genealogy Chat

Apparently, over 50% of World War 1 records were destroyed in World War 2, so how can I check if my great grandfather's records survive? Is there some kind of index available to search?

You need to look at the National Archives Site. That will give you all the info you need. Good luck.

The National Archives describes the different types of Army records preserved on Microfilm, but it doesn't say if an index is available to search, or how to check if a soldier's records are included in the miles of film.

Do you know his regiment? You could look up their website and email them for info.

hi giles,did your ggrandfather die in ww1 ?if yes there are 66 gaffneys on cwgc site, or you could try the VETRENS AGENCY FREE PHONE 0800 169 2277, they may be able to help you. regards tony

Yes first call is usually to the National Archives base.

If you give me his full name age etc and if pos his regiment I will look in Kew at Easter. It isn't that difficult as they are in strict alphabetical order and most are missing. There is also a good fast forward on the film handle! Try checking his full name on the medal rolls in docs on line in the National Archive site. That could help to determine his regiment unless there are others with the same name. jan

Thanks for the feedback! My maternal grandfather wasn't discharged from the Army, but died in battle, and he wasn't even a soldier... Name: FARMER Initials: G E Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Sapper Regiment: Royal Engineers Unit Text: 275th Railway Coy. Date of Death: 28/09/1918 Service No: WR/258385 Do I still have 40% chance of finding his WW1 records? Any help would be much appreciated!

If you go into Family search library catalogue and put in this number 1990029 the records of WW1 these are called the unburned war records. Box 2534 - Fardell, Percy to Farey, William Lewis; Box 2535 - Farge, Albert Edward to Farley, Ernest Victor; Box 2536 - Farley, Francis Charles to Farley, Robert; Box 2537 - Farley, Samuel to Farman, William; Box 2538 - Farmer, Albert to Farmer, Andrew FHL BRITISH Film 1788223 Box 2538 - Farmer, Andrew to Farmer, Charles R.; Box 2539 - Farmer, Daniel to Farmer, George W.; Box 2540 - Farmer, Harry to Farmer, Joseph W.; Box 2541 - Farmer, Leonard to Farmer, Thomas J.; Box 2542 - Farmer, Walter to Farmer, William VAULT BRITISH Film 1788224 Box 2542 - Farmer, William to Farmes, William; Box 2543 - Farmey, Michael to Farnell, John; Box 2544 - Farnell, Joseph R. to Farnsworth, Wm. H.; Box 3545 - (box numbers skip 1000) Farnsworth, Albert to Farnsworth, Walter FHL BRITISH Film 1788225 The name I was researching had not survived except for eight of the men (who had my surname) records. Which I copied anyway. There are not many with my family name. This is a copy of the Farmer records they have. You can order the relevant one at any of the Mormon centers. It's a chance. On some of them you get the attestation date hospital records, some of them Next of kin. All I can say is. Give it a try. All the best.

eve what section of the library catalogue do you imput 1990029 cant see what heading should be under dim or what?? ann

Please explore www(.)1914-1918(.net) - remove brackets. Very helpful people there with lots of information. Joy

Ann The Film / fiche search. Just put in this number. Eve

EVE THANK YOU

Ann You are welcome I hope you find what you are looking for. Happy hunting Eve