Genealogy Chat

Had this letter back from Army Records Glasgow couple of weeks ago. Service Enquiries - First World War and earlier. Records of soldiers who served in or prior to the first world war and left the Army or died before 1921 are now held in the National Archives. You may find the following addresses useful sources of additional information:- National Archives, Ruskin Ave, Kew, Richmond Surrey TW9 4DU - Tel: 020 8876 3444 web site www(.)nationalarchives(.)gov(.)uk Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ Tel: 020 7416 5000 web site www(.)iwm(.)org.uk Army Medal Office, Government Buildings, Worcester Rd, Droitwich, Worcs. WR9 8AU Tel: 01905 772323 The National Archives do not carry out searches on behalf of members of the public so it is therefore necessary to visit in person or employ an independent researcher. However, the National Archives are very user friendly with staff on hand to assist visitors. If you are visiting the National Archives for the first time you must take some proof of identity, a driving licence for example. If you are not a citizen of the United Kingdom or Eire you will be required to show your passport. Information on the Regiment itself may be held in the Imperial War Museum. However, should you wish to view a particular regimental history an appointment is necessary and should be booked at least 24 hours in advance. Finally, only the Army Medal Office can verify details concerning the issue of medals and awards and you should contact them directly if you have any queries concerning replacements or other such enquiries

From experience if you contact the Army Medals Office you need to be next of kin (or have permission from the next of kin to contact them). You need to have as much info on the solider as possible ie the soliders full name, dob, service no, rank, regiment, approx dates of service. Old army records were kept in number order on paper so someone had to physically go and try and find them. You can imagine what it was like in a Welsh Regiment with so many Jones 's. It can take an awful long time to hear back from the Army Medal Office - last time I was in touch I think it was about 18 months delay but then they were under a lot of pressure due to special anniversaries and ex soldiers trying to get their medals for the parades. I believe that if medals have been issued then the Army will not issue them again - if they have never been claimed then they can be issued to next of kin.