Military records can be an invaluable source of information for family history research. They can provide details about an ancestor's military service, such as enlistment and discharge dates, rank, unit, and more. They can also provide details about where the ancestor served and what battles they fought in.

Military Records

Military records can be found in a variety of archives, museums, and libraries. The British Army “Regimental system” see’s Regiments raised from local towns and communities. This engenders a feeling of comradeship and the notions that “we are in it together” and “fighting for each other” take on a whole new meaning given that one is likely to know other soldiers in the unit you are with. In addition, Regiments will likely have churches in their communities where their older Colours are laid up[1]. 'Colours' is the name given to the flags representing different regiments of the British Army. Infantry colours, and their cavalry counterparts, known as Standards and Guidons, are among the most sacred of symbols of the Army. The flags embody the honour, spirit and heritage of the regiments that proudly carry them, according to the National Army Museum. Historically, they acted as a rallying point in the heat and smoke of battle, so that soldiers could easily spot their unit by its Colours (British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), 2022).

Additionally, Regiments often (usually) have their own museums and archives within their own recruiting areas. For example, The Black Watch's primary recruiting areas are in Fife, Dundee, Angus and Perth and Kinross. The battalion is permitted to retain its most famous distinction, the red hackle on the Tam o'Shanter (The Black Watch Museum, 2018). The battalion headquarters and regimental museum are located at Balhousie Castle in Perth (The Black Watch, 2023).

In the United Kingdom, the National Archives holds a vast collection of military records. Others are still retained by the Ministry of Defence. The National Archives have published over 300 Research Guides on its web site (The National Archives, n.d.). Notification of the death of a serving member of the military, during WW2, was usually accompanied by a small card. This card has highly significant detail on it despite the sad nature of its purpose.

Most military campaigns have medals struck for them and which are then awarded to those that took part. Additionally, there are medals of a more general nature that are awarded for, say, acts of bravery, but not linked to a specific campaign. Medals serve as recognition and rewards for the individuals who have gone above and beyond their call of duty. These awards serve various purposes including acknowledging the courage, sacrifice, and dedication demonstrated by service members. They also act as a symbol of honour, pride, and achievement for those who receive them.

Medals are also awarded to civilians for similar reasons although usually not in a combat situation[2].

Many of us will have family members who have served their country in one capacity or another and will have received recognition in the form of a medal or certificate of some sort.

Family historians can use military records to fill in gaps in their family tree, uncover details about an ancestor's life, and gain a better understanding of their ancestor's service. They can also use the records to trace an ancestor's military career and uncover details about their service. Additionally, military records can be used to identify other family members who served in the military, such as siblings, cousins, and other relatives.

Figure 10 Notification of Death WW2

[1] Laid up means preserved and kept in, usually, a local church.

[2] The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious military gallantry award.; it is awarded for valour “in the presence of the enemy”. The George Cross is the highest award … not in the presence of the enemy.

References

British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS), 2022. What are regimental Colours and why do they mean so much? [Online]
Available at: https://www.forces.net/news/what-are-military-colours
[Accessed 25 February 2023].

The Black Watch Museum, 2018. Tam o'Shanter with Hackle. [Online]
Available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20180616001919/https://www.theblackwatch.co.uk/collections/tam-oshanter-with-hackle/
[Accessed 25 February 2023].

The Black Watch, 2023. Black Watch. [Online]
Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Watch#cite_note-82
[Accessed 25 February 2023].

The National Archives, n.d. Research Guides. [Online]
Available at: https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/
[Accessed 25 February 2023].

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