Genealogy Chat

Although I have paid and downloaded my Grandfathers medal index card, I am rather disappointed. I only seem to have the top left hand corner of it, with the card being 'cut off' before theatre of war, and date of entry missing. So can anybody tell me if WW1 military records are available on-line?

I beleive that the only availble military records in the UK from WW1 are on film ot Kew - they are called the burnt files because the were all burnt, but some sevived in part but they are very few and far between. did your grandfather live through the war or was he lost? If he was lost the CWGC will have some details and Military-Genealogy may have the rest, I have a few spare credits for M-G so could have a look if you post his name, initials (first and middle names), and if known Place of birth and residence.

Many thanks, no my Grandfather survived the war, but as I was only 15 when he did pass on, he never really told me much about 'his' war. I did get to polish his medal though

Hi Lynda As far as I know you can send off for his service record. You will need the Regiment and service no. Minstry of Defence Defence Records 26 Bourne Ave Hayes Middlesex UB3 1RF Telephone 020 8573 3831 ext. 328 I think it costs £30 and it differs in the amount of information you receive, it also takes a long time. You have to be next of Kin. I hope this helps, I am going to send off for my Grandads one day. Regards Jill

According to the Army Records Office website: Officers or Soldiers whose regular or reserve service ended before 1921* The National Archives Ruskin Avenue Kew Richmond Surrey TW9 4DU Telephone 0208876 3444 www.nationalarchives.gov.uk These will be the burnt records referred to above. You have a one in three chance of finding your relative. If he left the army after 1921 there is an address in Glasgow to write to: Officers or Soldiers whose regular or reserve service ended between 1921 and 1997 Army Personnel Centre HQ Secretariat Historical Disclosures Mail Point 400 Kentigern House 65 Brown Street Glasgow G2 8EX Tel: 0845 600 9663, option 3 More info: www.army.mod.uk/contacts/divisions/records.htm and www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/?homelink=main_military nell

Lynda Send me his details and when I am kew xmas time I will check the burnt records for you. Don't despair with the card many say nothing about theatre of war or date entered. You can work this out from his medals. If he got 1914/1915 star he is in France most likely on that particular date. Jan

Hello Lynda. You paid for a Medal Card, not half a one. Please get on to the National Archives and request a free duplicate. Regards Keith

Sorry for the delay in getting back. Many thanks for all your replies. Janice my grand pops info is: corp/sgt Charles G Harris Royal Warwickshire Reg machine gun corps His number was 961

I've put him in my Kew book and I never forget! I'll email you direct in the middle of Dec . I'll also check the medal card to see if there is anything missing. Jan