Military records in TNA

[ozgirl]

I have had no luck trying to find my grandfathers WWI military records on Ancestry - I believe a lot of the old records were lost some time ago. Would there be more or different records available at TNA? I'm hoping to go up there some time next month and if there are would like to try to find out more.

Thanks

Linda

[Mary from Italy]

About British Army WWI Service Records, 1914-1920

This database contains the surviving service records of non-commissioned officers and other ranks who served in WWI and did not re-enlist in the Army prior to World War II. With the latest release, this database now contains records for surnames beginning A-N.

British Army WWI Service Records, 1914-1920 - Ancestry.co.uk

So officers' records and surnames beginning O-Z aren't included yet.

[ozgirl]

His surname is Brown, so theoretically should be included, but I can find no trace of him - tho admittedly Brown is not really easy to trace!

Thanks anyway

Linda

[Little Nell]

The records on Ancestry are images of the records held at Kew, not different records.

[Mary from Italy]

Have you found his medal card on Ancestry? Although I suppose it'll be difficult with a surname like Brown, unless he has an unusual Christian name or you know his service number.

[ozgirl]

No idea of his service number and his christian name was Harry or Henry - I think there are roughly 1000 Henry Browns and 1300 Harry Browns who received medals, and the info on the medal cards doesn't help identify them. I think I need to give this one up!

Thanks for the info.

Linda

[RNM]

If you know his regiment - or likely regiment - or have photo of him in uniform then you might track him down through regimental records

Roger

[ozgirl]

I'm afraid no such luck. All I have is the vague story that he was gassed in WWI - survived, but then put on supply as he was not fit for fighting. That's the extent of my knowledge! If anyone can get anything from that, they are gods to me!! The only other thing I know is that he came from Nottingham, so presumably was in a Notts regiment.

Linda

[annswabey]

Don't assume he joined a local regiment - not necessarily the case! It sounds as though he probably got the Silver War Badge, so that might narrow the medal card results down a bit, but unless the card has an address on the back, I think you'll be struggling to find the right one.

[Mary from Italy]

If he got the silver war badge, which seems very likely, you should find him in the pension records on Ancestry.

[Mary from Italy]

There aren't all that many Henry Browns from Notts in the Pension records, and no Harry Browns. When was he born, and whereabouts in Notts did he come from?

[Guest]

so if a man rejoined in world war 11 his records wont be on Ancestry ????? is that right?? no wonder I cant find them
Have to send for them then .

[ozgirl]

He was from Nottingham, and his date of birth was either June 1891 or September 1893 (he might have used either). I couldn't see him on the pensions record. but will have another look. Thanks for the help.

Linda