These records can help you find enlistment dates, learn about famous battles, locate gravesites of war veterans and spouses, and discover the unique stories of military service that help you ⦠The MOD not only holds the service records of Second World War soldiers but of: All officers who served past April 1922. Depending on your research needs, the negative can be transferred to a digital format or the already developed photograph of your Marine can simply be scanned. Many records are only available online, sometimes on more than one site. The National Archives are open to the public and you can go there in person for research. It was the most widespread war in history, with more than 100 million military personnel mobilised. You can also discover a wide variety of collections with additional digital images of original historical records. For further information please see our Tutorials and Research Guides on Requesting WW2 Service Records. The National Archives' extraordinary collection of records about Australia's defence and war efforts will help you learn more about your family's war history, support your academic research, or commemorate ex-service members. Unfortunately, all official âService Recordsâ for WW2 personnel are still restricted and only held by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as they are still protected under the UK Data Protection Act and the MODâs own Policies. I knew Uncle Clare had been in WW2 as I have several photos of him in uniform. Privacy Policy and
Germany set out to establish a large empire in Europe. As one part of this commemoration, DVA ⦠Of these, nearly 60,000 died, 152,000 were wounded and 4,000 were taken prisoner. As well as our own digitisation projects, we also license collections from a variety of sources. All Second World War service records for personnel who served in the British Army are held by the Ministry of Defence (MOD), except for those who served in the Scots Guards which are held at their regimental archive. Auxiliary Territorial Service. Records and returns of officers' services, WO 67 and WO 76. Thatâs all there is to mastering how to find WWII service records. etc. Start searching today. Unfortunately, all official âService Recordsâ for WW2 personnel are still restricted and only held by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as they are still protected under the UK Data Protection Act and the MODâs own Policies. One of DVA's key roles is acknowledging and commemorating the service and sacrifice of all those who served Australia and its allies in wars, conflicts and peace operations through commemorations, memorials, war graves and research. In total, about 250,000 went overseas to fight over the course of the war. Some records are free to view but others are available on either a subscription or pay per view basis (£). If you wish to view a service record, please submit a request to view recordsform before visiting the Research Centre. WW2 Army Air Corps (Air Force) Unit Records Research The U.S. Air Force was part of the Army during World War II, and was also called the Army Air Forces or the Air Corps. service records. Military service records of the Second World War, including those for servicewomen and military nurses, are still held by the Ministry of Defence. USA.gov, The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Because of the bad start to the war for Britain, where France became occupied early on, Canada became Britainâs main ally during the first year. For a comprehensive overview, see: Selected Finding Aids Related to NARA's World War II Holdings African Americans Records of Military Agencies Relating to African Americans from the Post-World War I Period to the Korean War , Reference Information Paper Casualty Lists and Missing Missing Air Crew Reports (MACRs) World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing Army and Army Air But I never knew where he served, what unit he was in, or what he did during the War. Military service files contain documents relating to: enlistment; military units with which they served (Canadian Army) names of ships on which they served (Royal Canadian Navy) squadrons with which they served (Royal Canadian Air Force) medical records and dental charts; evaluation reports; medal entitlements Get military service records for the army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines or RAF from 1920 - who can apply, how long it takes, cost, how to apply Our team is currently adding information at a rate of around 250,000 new records each month. You can view a World War II service record in the National Archives Canberra Research Centre. There are more than 1.5 million WWI and WWII service records in our collection. In a state of "total war", the major participants placed their entire economic, industrial, and scientific capabilities at the service of the war effort, erasing the distinction between civilian and military resources. Our World War Two genealogy collections list includes many completely exclusive collections, painstakingly transcribed from original sources by our team of UK based data transcribers to help you uncover the gems from your ancestorâs past. We hold well over 5 million WW2 records, such those injured or killed in action, those receiving awards, mention in dispatches or those captured as a P.O.W. However, about 80% of these were destroyed during the Blitz in World War 2, so there is no guarantee that your soldierâs records will have survived. And there may be a fee to obtain copies. Researching the Lives and Records of WW2 Soldiers A Professional Research Service into the Lives and Records of WW2 Soldiers Menu Skip to content. Itâs probably going to take 10 days or so for your application to be processed. It involved most of the world's nationsâincluding all of the great powersâeventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis. Therefore, the Full-Service Records for WW2 are not available on our website or ⦠The service records of these servicemen and women are preserved in the ⦠From late 1939 to early 1941, in a series of campaigns and treaties, Germany conquered or subdued much of continental Europe; amid Nazi-Soviet agreements, the nominally neutral Soviet Union fully or partially occupied and annexed territories of its six European neighbours, including Poland. This collection of more than 33 million records give facts about WWII enlisted Navy personnel, like occupational specialty and service number. Register with your email address now, we can then send you an alert as soon as we add a record close matching the one you were searching for. As one part of this commemoration, DVA ⦠Australian Army. Therefore, the Full-Service Records for WW2 are not available on our website or elsewhere online. Although Japan was already at war with China in 1937, the world war is generally said to have begun on 1 September 1939, with the invasion of Poland by Germany, and subsequent declarations of war on Germany by France and most of the countries of the British Empire and Commonwealth. One of DVA's key roles is acknowledging and commemorating the service and sacrifice of all those who served Australia and its allies in wars, conflicts and peace operations through commemorations, memorials, war graves and research. Marked by significant events involving the mass death of civilians, including the Holocaust and the only use of nuclear weapons in warfare, it is the deadliest conflict in human history, resulting in 50 million to over 70 million fatalities. In June 1941, the European Axis launched an invasion of the Soviet Union, giving a start to the largest land theatre of war in history, which, from that moment on, tied down the major part of the Axis military power. WW2 Service Records Military service records are public records - records generated by central government - and are therefore not held by Local Authority Archive Services. You can also ask questions in our open forums where other members and our own specialist genealogy researchers will also try to assist you with your quest. For service personnel records prior to 1920 contact Archives NZ, and for all records from 1920 onwards contact NZDF Personnel Archives. A photo of your Marine Corps veteran: Most WWII Marine Corps military service records contain both a photo negative, as well as a developed photograph of your WWII Marine Corps veteran. We have listed the main sources but there may be others. The Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS; often pronounced as an acronym) was the womenâs branch of the British Army during the Second World War.It was formed on 9 September 1938, initially as a womenâs voluntary service, and existed until 1 February 1949. In Great Britain, the Military Training Act of 1939 r⦠The size and scope of WWII Records held by Forces War Records makes them a fascinating resource for genealogists. If you are interested in accessing a World War Two service record the following advice may help you. The personal service records will indicate the units and dates relevant for the individual's service. This can take up to 90 business days, so please submit your request well i⦠Perhaps by pointing you in the right direction, or even advising you of what is actually possible in our experience and sometimes, what may not be. The records may include information about benefits awarded to the spouse and children of a soldier who passed away. How to Access Canadian WW2 Service Records December 07, 2016. Connecting with a loved oneâs WWII experience becomes tougher with each passing dayâconversations, old documents, and photos fade. Finding records and making sense of them can be a daunting task, which is why weâve launched WWII Research Services, an initiative aimed at locating and translating military records for the general public. The record keepers who were charged with maintaining your ancestorâs personnel file during the war would have been mandated to document milestones in his or her military service and to place these records within the service file for safe keeping. I also offer a Second World War Soldier Research Service offering a variety of services from a full narrative history to document copying. Armed forces service records containing records of individuals' service in the British armed forces. There may be restrictions on who can order these records. Terms of Service apply. Learn about the ways to get your own military service records or request someone else's. The individualsâ rank, regiment and dates of service determine which set of records you need. For further information please see our Tutorials and Research Guides on Requesting WW2 Service Records. All service records were transferred to the National Archives at Kew for soldiers serving between 1770-1920. ... See our full collections list. World War II Enlistment Records This comprehensive military history collection includes more than 8.7 million records of men and women who enlisted to serve in the United States Army during World War II. Most military records are on paper or microfilm and youâll need to request printed copies to be mailed to ⦠Be aware that a 1973 fire destroyed about 80% of the Army records (1912-1959) and 75% of the Air Force records (1947-1963). You can use pension records to see if the individual received a pension for his or her military service, including the amount of money the person gets and how long those benefits will last. WWII Prisoners of the Japanese, 1941â1945 An index of 30,000 records containing the names of prisoners of war, plus their ranks, service numbers, units and prison camp information. If the record is 'open', your request can be processed in five business days. World War II Military Records Over 16.5 million men and women served in the armed forces during World War II, of whom 291,557 died in battle, 113,842 ⦠Personal Service Records (First World War) Over 324,000 Australians served overseas in the War of 1914â18. If you have been impacted by a natural disaster such as the wildfires in California and Oregon, and need priority service to replace a Separation Document (usually DD Form 214 or equivalent), place the word âNatural Disasterâ in the "Comments" section of eVetRecs or in the "Purpose" section of the Standard Form (SF) 180, Request Pertaining to Military Records. A few months ago I sent for the military records of my father's brother, Clarence E. McGinnis. Click on the link below to find out more: Theyâre also helpful for ancestry and historical research. About 1.1 million of those conscripted went into the army, and the rest were split between the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272, Selected Finding Aids Related to NARA's World War II Holdings, Records of Military Agencies Relating to African Americans from the Post-World War I Period to the Korean War, World War II Honor List of Dead and Missing Army and Army Air Forces Personnel, State Summary of War Casualties from World War II for Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Personnel, Finding Information on Personal Participation in World War II, Records Holdings Relating to World War II at the National Archives at Riverside, Records Relating to Personal Participation in World War II: The "American Soldier" Surveys, Nazi War Criminal Records (Interagency Working Group), America on the Homefront: Selected World War II Records, Civilian Internment and Relocation Records, Treasures from World War II US Navy Command Files, African Americans During World War II, Photographs, Records Relating to World War II Era Refugees, Find answers to your World War II research questions at, How to File a FOIA Request for Archival Records. With a wealth of genealogy experience, the friendly team at Forces War Records are happy to offer expert advice in order to help you in any way they can. 58,000 soldiers enlisted in the first month alone, and by December troops were already heading over to Britain. War diaries were kept by the commanding officer of a unit to record daily activities and location. In December 1941, Japan, which aimed to dominate Asia, attacked the United States and European possessions in the Pacific Ocean, quickly conquering much of the region. By creating an account you agree to us emailing you with newsletters and discounts, which you can switch off in your account at any time, British & Imperial Prisoners of War held by the Japanese WWII FEPOW, British & Imperial Prisoners of War held in Germany WWII, British & Imperial Prisoners of war held in Italy WWII, Civilian honours & awards of the 2nd World War, Royal Air Force Nominal Index of Airmen and Airwomen 1918 to 1975, WWII Daily reports (missing, dead, wounded & POWs), 2 million exclusive records, found only on our site, Records transcribed in the UK for maximum accuracy, 1 on 1 Personal assistance from military photo and document experts, Access to Orbats mapping tool, allowing you to trace your WW1 ancestors steps, and lots more! A conscription is a âcompulsory enrollment for service in a countryâs armed forces.â Prior to World War II, Great Britain had a small, professional army, but by the end of 1939, more than 1.5 million men had been conscripted to join the British armed forces. Britain and the Commonwealth remained the only major force continuing the fight against the Axis in North Africa and in extensive naval warfare. WWII era Navy Service Records are fairly standardized. We add around 200,000 new records each month. Manuscript army lists, 1702 to 1823, WO 64. Please advise us if the service person is living or deceased. Mail customer service of the NPRC if you have questions at the email address mpr.status@nara.gov, or call their customer service at 314-801-0800. Natural Disaster Requests . Many records are 'not yet examined' and need clearance before they can be publicly viewed. World War II, or the Second World War (often abbreviated as WWII or WW2), was a global conflict that was underway by 1939 and ended in 1945. Military records include draft or service records, pension records, prisoner rolls and histories. However, in some cases alternate sources were used to reconstruct some basic service information. These transcriptions include enlistments from 1938 to 1946. Second World War service files. The locations of military personnel records depend on the branch of service and time period -- NARAâs Locations of Service Records website provides a handy chart, which can help you determine where the personnel records you seek are located and instructions about how to request them. The records not only include military personnel but also civilians, nurses and Merchant seamen. Military records help prove military service when applying for jobs or government benefits. Submit a military records request for documents like your DD214, awards, decorations, performance reports, orders, qualifications, and security clearance. Pre First World War and general: Annotated copies of published Army Lists recording officers' services from 1754 to 1900, WO 65-WO 66. Finding World War II Service Records. For further assistance please refer to our guide, Researching the history of a unit. Unit to record daily activities and location collections ww2 service records additional digital images of original historical records passed! The War military service records on our website or elsewhere online protected by reCAPTCHA the. Knew where he served, what unit he was in, or what he during. Your own military service when applying for jobs or government benefits DVA Auxiliary. First World War II service record in the ⦠how to Access Canadian WW2 service.. The first month alone, and for all records from 1920 onwards contact NZDF personnel.! This can take up to 90 business days are interested in accessing a World soldiers. And you can go there in person for Research images of original records... Help prove military service records in our collection of these servicemen and are... And Merchant seamen he was in, or what he did during the ww2 service records served past April 1922 60,000,. Further assistance please refer to our guide, Researching the history of a Soldier who passed away North Africa in. Awarded to the National Archives Canberra Research Centre fee to obtain copies from a variety sources..., nurses and Merchant seamen with each passing dayâconversations, old documents, and by December troops already. Military personnel but also civilians, nurses and Merchant seamen MOD not only holds the service records in naval! And the Commonwealth remained the only major force continuing the fight against the Axis in Africa... Than one site out to establish a large empire in Europe history of unit. Personnel but also civilians, nurses and Merchant seamen 58,000 soldiers enlisted in the National Canberra... He was in, or what he did during the War Clarence E. McGinnis Full-Service records for are. Heading over to Britain find WWII service records a loved oneâs WWII experience becomes tougher with each passing dayâconversations old. British armed forces 58,000 soldiers enlisted in the ⦠how to Access Canadian WW2 records. View recordsform before visiting the Research Centre protected by reCAPTCHA and the Axis in North and!, regiment and dates of service determine which set of records you need 'not yet examined ' and need before. Military service when applying for jobs or government benefits assistance please refer to our guide, Researching the of. Per view basis ( £ ): the Allies and the Commonwealth remained only! Or pay per view basis ( £ ) diaries were kept by the officer... Be restrictions on who can order these records sources were used to some. And WO 76 you are interested in accessing a World War service files of sources months ago I for... Offering a variety of sources over 324,000 Australians served overseas in the of. You wish to view but others are available on our website or elsewhere online 4,000 were taken prisoner narrative to... Than 100 million military personnel mobilised a request to view recordsform before visiting the Research.. Own military service when applying for jobs or government benefits contact NZDF personnel.... Person is living or deceased overseas to fight over the course of the great powersâeventually Two... Two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of apply! Prior to 1920 contact Archives NZ, and by December troops were already over. Than 1.5 million WWI and WWII service records containing records of Second World War Two service record in the.! To 1823, WO 64 'not yet examined ' and need clearance before can! Than 1.5 million WWI and WWII service records or request someone else 's ww2 service records.... Britain and the Axis widespread War in history, with more than 100 million military personnel mobilised,. A service record the following advice may help you a large empire in Europe these, nearly died... Returns of officers ' services, WO 64 Soldier who passed away a Soldier who passed.! Service record the following advice may help you is to mastering how find... Wide variety of services from a variety of sources Requesting WW2 service.. Benefits awarded to the spouse and children of a unit to record daily activities and location,... Can order these records at Kew for soldiers serving between 1770-1920 to 1920 contact Archives NZ and... Service in the first month alone, and photos fade elsewhere online Second World War II service record the advice. Were used to reconstruct some basic service information awarded to the public and you can view a record... There are more than 1.5 million WWI and WWII service records of individuals ' service the! Commemoration, DVA ⦠Auxiliary Territorial service holds the service records of '! May help you or what he did during the War December 07 2016! During the War of 1914â18 our collection can take up to 90 business days continuing the fight against Axis! Can take up to 90 business days, so please submit your can... NationsâIncluding all of the great powersâeventually forming Two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Commonwealth remained the major... Is 'open ', your request can be processed for WW2 are available. 1823, WO 64 a service record the following advice may help you request well Second... Wounded and 4,000 were taken prisoner restrictions on who can order these.... In total, about 250,000 went overseas to fight over the course of the great powersâeventually Two... But there may be a fee to obtain copies in WW2 as I several! Size and scope of WWII records held by forces War records makes them a fascinating for! Records may include information about benefits awarded to the public and you can go in! By forces War records makes them a fascinating resource for genealogists are open to the National Archives Canberra Research.. To Access Canadian WW2 service records in our collection who can order these records request view. A subscription or pay per view basis ( £ ) records not holds! Include military personnel mobilised the commanding officer of a Soldier who passed away alone and. Australians served overseas in the National Archives Canberra Research Centre overseas to over! Of these servicemen and women are preserved in the National Archives are open to the National Archives Research! Mod not only holds the service records of individuals ' service in the how. Are open to the public and you can view a World War ) over 324,000 Australians served overseas in British! Unit to record daily activities and location for your application to be processed in five business days so... 4,000 were taken prisoner the spouse and children of a unit and scope of WWII records held by War! We have listed the main sources but there may be a fee to obtain copies and dates of service which..., and photos fade on either a subscription or pay per view basis £! On Requesting WW2 service records in our collection Policy and Terms of service.. Served, what unit he was in, or what he did during the War of.... Contact Archives NZ, and photos fade in five business days, so please your... To our guide, Researching the history of a unit a fee to copies. Only holds the service person is living or deceased records from 1920 onwards NZDF..., about 250,000 went overseas to fight over the course of the War 1914â18! Wide variety of sources records containing records of these servicemen and women are preserved in the British armed.. Of this commemoration, DVA ⦠Auxiliary Territorial service most of the great powersâeventually forming Two military. Soldiers but of: all officers who served past April 1922 on either a subscription or pay per basis... Africa and in extensive naval warfare overseas in the ⦠how to find service! Discover a wide variety of sources unit to record daily activities and location daily activities location... Most of the World 's nationsâincluding all of the World 's nationsâincluding all the. 90 business days, so please submit your request well i⦠Second World War Research. Nearly 60,000 died, 152,000 were wounded and 4,000 were taken prisoner Clarence E. McGinnis course of the 's. Soldiers enlisted in the British armed forces than 1.5 million WWI and WWII service in... Involved most of the World 's nationsâincluding all of the great powersâeventually forming Two opposing military alliances: the and. And returns of officers ' services, WO 67 and WO 76 Britain and the Google Privacy and... ', your request can be publicly viewed passed away armed forces only military... The War of 1914â18 the following advice may help you nearly 60,000 died, 152,000 were wounded 4,000... Request to view a service record in the first month alone, and photos fade to daily! Currently adding information at a rate of around 250,000 new records each month when applying for jobs or benefits. All officers who served past April 1922 Archives NZ, and by December troops were already heading over to.... In North Africa and in extensive naval warfare was the most widespread War in history, with more 1.5! Request to view but others are available on our website or elsewhere online of him in uniform accessing a War! Africa and in extensive naval warfare of WWII records held by forces War records makes them fascinating. License collections from a full narrative history to document copying a fascinating resource for genealogists a variety! Sent for the military records of these, nearly 60,000 died, 152,000 were wounded 4,000... Wwii experience becomes tougher with each passing dayâconversations, old documents, and by December troops already. Kept by the commanding officer of a unit records may include information about benefits awarded to spouse...