Difference between revisions of "Military History"

From the Family Tree Forum Reference Library
(Undo revision 78226 by Caroline (talk))
Tag: Undo
 
(359 intermediate revisions by 9 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
[[Category:General Reference]][[Category:Military and Maritime History]]
 +
[[Image:yeomen.jpg|300px|right]]
 
__TOC__
 
__TOC__
 
 
 
 
 
 
{| width="100%" height="35px" border="0" cellpadding="5"
 
! width="25%"|[[ World War One]]
 
! width="25%"|[[ World War Two]]
 
! width="25%"|[[ The Army]]
 
! width="25%"|[[ The Royal Navy]]
 
|-
 
|[[ The Royal Air Force ]]
 
|}
 
 
<br><br>
 
<br><br>
 +
==General Military Information==
  
 +
'''British Military Records Through The Ages'''
  
 
 
==General Military Links==
 
 
 
'''Researching Prisoners of War'''
 
 
The International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva keeps lists of all known POWs and internees of all nationalities for the Second World War. Enquiries concerning these lists should be directed to:
 
 
Archives Division and Research Service<br>
 
International Committee of the Red Cross<br>
 
19 Avenue de la Paix,<br>
 
Geneva CH-1202,<br>
 
Switzerland
 
 
email: archives.gva@icrc.org
 
 
[http://www.icrc.org/ International Committee Of The Red Cross]
 
 
 
'''Book! Prisoners of War, British Army, 1939 - 1945'''
 
 
That lists alphabetically over 107,000 British Army POWs of all ranks held in
 
Germany or in German occupied territories in World War Two. It gives each
 
POW's camp, POW number, surname, initials, rank, army number and
 
regiment/corps.
 
 
It was re-published in 1990, by J B Hayward and Sons of Polstead, Suffolk (cost £38) ISBN 0-903754-61-
 
 
==Useful Links==
 
 
[http://34thdivdeathcasualties.homestead.com/files/POW_109MED.htm PRISONERS OF WAR - 109TH MEDICAL BATTALION (1942 - 1945)]
 
 
For records of Servicemen and Women who served in WW2 and beyond:
 
 
 
 
 
[http://www.nuremberg.law.harvard.edu/php/docs_swi.php?DI=1&text=overview Nuremberg Trials Project]
 
 
[http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/index.htm 20th Century Espionage]
 
 
 
 
[http://www.naa.gov.au/The_Collection/recordsearch.html National Archives of Australia]
 
 
[http://www.tankmuseum.co.uk/home.html The Tank Museum]
 
 
[http://perso.orange.fr/tanneguy.desplanques/gg/index.htm Regimental Insignias]
 
 
[http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/wwi_medals.htm Medals]
 
 
[http://www.iwmcollections.org.uk/ Imperial War Museum Collections Online]
 
 
==A-Z List of Ex-Military Service Organisations==
 
 
[[A-Z List of Ex-Military Service]]
 
 
 
==National Service and the Home Guard==
 
 
 
'''Home Guard – history'''
 
 
*[http://www.homesweethomefront.co.uk/web_pages/hshf_homeguard_pg.htm#top The Story of the Home Guard]
 
 
*[http://www.fortunecity.co.uk/meltingpot/oxford/330/hg/hg.html The Home Guard]
 
 
 
'''Home Guard Pocket Manual'''
 
 
*[http://met.open.ac.uk/group/jwl/hg_manual/homeguard.htm Home Guard Pocket Manual]
 
 
 
*[http://rafbridgnorth.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/index.html RAF Bridgnorth]
 
 
*[http://www.forcesreunited.org.uk/ ForcesReunited]
 
 
*[http://www.seniorsnetwork.co.uk/forces/allforces.htm Seniors Network]
 
 
 
==Medals and Decorations==
 
 
*[http://users.rootsweb.com/~indwgw/medalpage.htm The purpose of this particular page is to provide lists of recipients of medals in British India]
 
 
*[http://homepages.tesco.net/~medals/page4.htm Downloadable pictures and descriptions of UK military medals]
 
 
*[http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-victoria-cross-recipients-by-nationality List of Victoria Cross recipients by nationality ]
 
 
*[http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/wwi_medals.htm This page deals with the campaign medals that UK personnel were awarded for service during the First World War 1914-18]
 
 
 
==World War One and Two Dual Links==
 
 
*[http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Northamptonshire/Rushden.html Rushden roll of honour]
 
*[http://www.inmemories.com/ In Memories-Details of Commonwealth World War One and Two communal cemeteries and graveyards in Belguim and France]
 
*[http://www.britishwargraves.org.uk/ British War Memorial Project]
 
------------------------
 
Yokohama War Cemetery-Japan-
 
 
This is a very professional site dedicated to soldiers that died over in Yokohama Japan,in the concentration camps and for soldiers from elsewhere like India..It has a very good site map,and a very clear ,detailed index of the soldiers with military number and next of kin where available.-well worth a look........
 
 
http://www.roll-of-honour.org.uk/Cemeteries/Yokohama_War_Cemetery/
 
--------------------------------
 
Cowra-Australian burials
 
 
This is a personal family history site that lists detailed desriptions of Australian casualties from WW2 buried there.522 Japanese are buried there too.
 
 
http://ozfamily.horrorking.com/cowra.html
 
-------------------
 
France and Belgium-The Great War 1914-18 war cemeteries and memorials
 
 
This is an incredible site-it shows all war cemetaries in france and Belgium-there are indexes galore and when you click on each cemetery there are photographs and details of how many from each regiment etc.Huge site but very organised.Includes many memorials including Thiepval THESE ARE ALL FOR THE GREAT WAR 1914-18.This is a must see website.
 
 
http://www.silentcities.co.uk/mainindex.htm  <<<< this is not working at moment
 
----------------------------------
 
South Africa war graves
 
 
This is an incredible and very brave undertaking and reminds us all of how many countries sacrificed their men in the world wars.the south africa war Graves Project hasnt been completed but has come a long way.
 
 
http://southafricawargraves.org/index.htm
 
 
In their charter they state>>>
 
 
The goal of the South Africa War Graves Project is to archive photographs of every single South African war grave from the 2nd Anglo-Boer War, WW1, WW2, Korea, Rand Revolt, Freedom Struggle, Angola-Border War to present day. These photos will either be in the format of a picture of a headstone or a name on a memorial. These photos will eventually be made freely to the family, friends of the deceased serviceperson, school groups, veterans groups and MOTH shell-holes through this website
 
--------------------------------------
 
New Zealand Graves and Memorials
 
 
A dedicated site that spans the recording of graves of New Zealanders in over 60 different countries.
 
 
http://www.nzafmp.org/index.htm
 
 
In their intro they state 2 main aims>>>
 
 
To photograph and collect a pictorial record of New Zealand war graves and memorials both overseas and in New Zealand to commemorate those servicemen and women who gave their lives in the service of their country.
 
 
To collect photos and stories not only of those who lost their lives, but also of those who came home. Generation by generation stories and old photo's are being lost to us. Our aim is to record as many photos and stories as we can while those who remember can help us to provide an accurate online resource
 
---------------------------------
 
All cemeteries with over 40 burials worldwide
 
 
This is the daddy of all sites and even more encompassing than the very impressive Silent Cities site covering all the world cemeteries with 40 or more burials of war dead-this covers no less than 940 cemeteries !!!!
 
 
http://ww1cemeteries.com/
 
 
 
all photographed
 
----------------------------------------------------
 
Australian War Graves
 
 
In a similar vein to the south african and New Zealand war grave Projects.
 
 
http://www.australianwargraves.org/
 
Australian war graves Photographic Project-AWGPA
 
 
Australian War Memorial - a database of Australians who fought in various wars:
 
 
http://www.awm.gov.au/database/biographical.asp
 
 
Includes a list of PoWs.
 
-------------------------------------
 
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
 
 
This is for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
 
-----------------
 
This site has lots of different places on it and seems to be expanding...
 
 
 
http://www.roll-of-honour.com/
 
------------------------------------------
 
Canada-War memorial project
 
 
http://www.mapleleaflegacy.org/
 
 
This is a very snazzy site with a musical introduction,truly a work of art..the Maple leaf Memorial Project promises to be the definitive resource for the rememberance of Canadian dead.
 
--------------------------------------
 
Peterborough
 
 
www.pboro-memorial.com
 
 
A web-site dedicated to the people of Peterborough who were killed during the First and Second World Wars.
 
------------------
 
War Memorials and Graves on Isle of Wight
 
 
Excellent site for those searching details of WWI and WWII casualties. Complete with links to CWGC. Also includes civilian casualties.
 
 
http://www.isle-of-wight-memorials.org.uk/index.htm
 
------------------------------------
 
Tidworth Military cemetery
 
 
Tidworth Military Cemetery
 
http://www.remembering.org.uk/tidworth_cemetery.htm
 
------------------------------
 
War memorials in the old Avon area round Bristol
 
http://uk.geocities.com/williamfdungey/mems/memindex.html
 
-------------------------------
 
WWI memorial, All Saints Church, South Lynn, Norfolk
 
 
Full details (yes some one has researched details of their death) of all those on the War Memorial window (WW1) at All Saints Church, South Lynn.
 
 
http://www.roll-of-honour.com/NorfololkAllSaints.html
 
----------------------
 
Found this site totally by chance it looks for neglected war graves in Britain
 
 
War Graves In Britain
 
 
 
 
 
British Military Records through the ages
 
 
When you are searching for Military Service Records there are a few important pieces of information that you need to have. These are:
 
When you are searching for Military Service Records there are a few important pieces of information that you need to have. These are:
· Full name of the individual. If you have as full a name as possible as this will make tracking your individual easier. E.g. John Brown. There must be hundreds of John Browns. If you have a middle name it will make things a bit easier. E.g. John W Brown.
 
· The Service in which he served. Army, Royal Navy or Air Force.
 
· Rank and Regiment or Naval Ship or Squadron. Having the service number can be particularly helpful.
 
· Find out when the person served; pre First World War, First World War and after 1920.
 
· The more details you have the better. Even the Enlistment date and Demob dates are helpful as well.
 
  
For pre-WW1, WW1, Royal Navy and Air Force can be searched for at the National Archives in Kew. If you go there you can search documents for free.  
+
*Full name of the individual. If you have as full a name as possible this will make tracking your individual easier. E.g. John Brown. There must be hundreds of John Browns. If you have a middle name it will make things a bit easier. E.g. John W Brown.
Online you can search:
+
*The Service in which he served. Army, Royal Navy or Air Force.
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/?homelink=main_military
+
*Rank and Regiment or Naval Ship or Squadron. Having the service number can be particularly helpful.
 +
*Find out when the person served; pre First World War, First World War and after 1920.  
 +
*The more details you have the better. Having the dates of enlistment and demobilisation can be helpful as well.  
  
For records of Servicemen and Women who served in WW2 and beyond;
 
· Army -http://www.army.mod.uk/contacts/divisions/records.htm
 
· Royal Navy- http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.4330
 
· Royal Air Force -http://www.raf.mod.uk/links/contacts.cfm
 
-------------------------------
 
Deserters and Absentees from His Majesty's Services. ARMY
 
http://www.londonancestor.com/army/menu.htm
 
-----------------------------------------
 
Worth a mention especially as they are going to start to put the records from Kew online soon.
 
  
If you find someone in the burnt records- WO 363, For the Army in
+
*'''[[Military_Research|Military Records]]'''
WW1. Don't leave it there..... Also check the unburnt records - WO 364. As I found the same person in both today
 
---------------------------------------------------
 
War Memorials
 
  
In Cheshire and Lancashire
+
*'''[[Uniforms]]'''
  
http://www.carlscam.com/index.html
 
-----------------------------
 
MILITARY (miscellaneous)
 
  
first world war -
+
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/?homelink=main_military Researching Military History at The National Archives]
www.worldwar1.com
 
www.1914-1918.net
 
  
second world war - www.ww2talk.com
+
*[http://www.britishmedals.us/kevin/intro.html The Asplin Military History Resources]
  
Commonwealth War Graves Commission site - www.cwgc.org
+
*[http://www.onwar.com/aced/index.htm Wars of the World]
  
To obtain Army service records - http://www.veteransagency.mod.uk/ser...ords/army.html
+
*[http://www.historyofwar.org/index.html Military History Encyclopedia]
  
British War Memorial Project:
+
*[http://www.britishbattles.com British Battles]
http://www.britishwargraves.org.uk/
 
Volunteers aim to photo all war graves from WWI onward, whatever country they are in.
 
  
Some can be seen on line, if they have a photo they will send you a copy (donation requested).
+
*[http://www.iwm.org.uk Imperial War Museum London]
  
Alsso have a page giving details of all medals awarded.
+
*[http://www.solarnavigator.net/maritime_history.htm Solar Navigator History Pages]
Someone just pointed me to this site for hospitals from WW1 that had military patients
 
  
http://www.1914-1918.net/hospitals_uk.htm
+
*[http://www.iwmcollections.org.uk/qryPhotoImg.asp Imperial War Museum Photograph Search]
---------------------------------------
 
https://www.military-genealogy.com/
 
Fleet air arm archives
 
http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Re.../Archives.html
 
-------------------------
 
Australian War Memorial - a database of Australians who fought in various wars:
 
  
http://www.awm.gov.au/database/biographical.asp
+
*[http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/ British Military & Criminal History in The Period 1900 to 1999]
  
Includes a list of PoWs.
+
*[http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/ Information about various wars]
This site has details of Australian servicemen's dates of birth and next of kin.
 
  
Some service records (mainly WW1 so far) have already been digitised and put online.
+
*[http://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/forces.htm British Empire: Armed Forces]
  
http://www.naa.gov.au/The_Collection/recordsearch.html
 
  
(Choose "search now as a guest")
+
*[http://www.lewcock.net/index.php?option=com_magazine&func=show_edition&id=9&Itemid=77 Family Tree Forum Online Magazine ~ November 2007]
---------------------------------
 
Boer War database:
 
  
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/KevinAsplin/home.html
+
*[http://ftfmagazine.lewcock.net/index.php?option=com_magazine&func=show_edition&id=12&Itemid=131 Family Tree Forum Online Magazine ~ November 2008]
------------------------
 
Indian Mutiny Medal Recipients
 
  
http://users.rootsweb.com/~indwgw/medalpage.htm
+
<br><br>
------------
 
ANZACS
 
*www.anzacs.org
 
*www.anzacs.net
 
---------------
 
Royal Engineers
 
  
Links to the Royal Engineers Museum Website and also online historical information about the regiment at
+
==Before 1914==
  
http://www.remuseum.org.uk/index.htm
+
*[http://www.icmacentre.ac.uk/soldier/database/search.php The Soldier in later Medieval England (Databases)]
------------------
 
French Air force sites ;;;
 
  
http://perso.orange.fr/paqsenior/indexE.htm
+
*[http://www.napolun.com/mirror/napoleonistyka.atspace.com/default.htm Napoleon, His Army and Enemies]
  
A true Story but plenty info ;;
+
*[http://www.garethglovercollection.com/index.htm Original Source Material from the Napoleonic Wars 1793-1815]
  
http://touch-go.fr/index.php
+
*[http://www.garenewing.co.uk/angloafghanwar/ The Second Anglo-Afghan War 1878-1880]
  
http://www.rafcommands.com/cgi-bin/d...rum=DCForumID6
+
*[http://www.wartimesindex.co.uk/ Archive of Victorian Wars]
good site for asking questions ;;
 
  
 +
*[http://www.victorianwars.com/index.php Victorian Wars Forum]
  
http://www.associations.rafinfo.org.uk/
+
* For India: [[India#Military_History|India: Military History]]
  
 +
* For the New Zealand Wars: [[New_Zealand#Military_History| New Zealand: Military History]]
  
http://www.allenby.info/
+
* For the Anglo-Boer Wars: [[South_Africa#Military_History| South Africa: Military History]]
  
Site for planes crashes
+
<br><br>
  
 +
==After 1914==
  
http://www.memorial-genweb.org/html/fr/index.php3
+
*'''[[World War One]]'''
  
 +
*'''[[World War Two]]'''
  
Never know they might come in handy for someone;;;
+
*[http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/ The Wartime Memories Project]
--------------------------------
 
Women in the Military
 
-the Land Army, munitions and their changing roles in  the Forces 
 
  
Reminiscences if Land Army girls
+
*[http://www.pasttimesproject.co.uk/lsl_browse.php?subsite=ll&cat=Wartime Tales From WW1 & WW2]
Personal stories and photographs
 
  
http://www.wartimememories.co.uk/womenslandarmy.html
+
*[http://www.pasttimesproject.co.uk/lsl_browse.php?subsite=ll&cat=Service%20personnel Service Personel]
  
Wrens
+
*[http://www.scotsatwar.co.uk/aboutsaw.htm The Scots at War]
Brief history - to be updated
 
  
http://www.thewrens.com/history/
+
*[http://freespace.virgin.net/sh.k/xvidiv.html 16th Irish Division - The Role of The Irish in The War]
--------------------------
+
<br><br>
Voluntary Aid Detachment - VADs
 
  
They worked for the Red Cross as letter writers for the injured, cooked and provided medical assistance
+
==A-Z List of Ex-Military Service Organisations==
  
 +
*[[A-Z List of Ex-Military Service]]
  
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWnurses.htm
+
*[http://www.seniorsnetwork.co.uk/forces/allforces.htm Ex-Service Organisations]
 +
<br>
  
http://www.micklebring.com/oakwood/ch01.htm
+
==Medals, Badges and Decorations==
  
 +
[[image:MedalcardWW1.jpg|right|frame|250px|World War One Medal Card]]
  
images of VAD life
+
*[[Badges, Medals & Other Decoration]]
  
http://web.ukonline.co.uk/john.marfl...tcards/vad.htm
+
*[http://www.casus-belli.co.uk/ Military book and Medals Anglo-Boer war 1899-1902]
------------------
 
Canada
 
  
This is a great database for Canadian women in world war one
+
*[http://www.dowlingfamily.info/i1857in2.htm Indian Mutiny Medal Recipients]
  
http://www.rootsweb.com/~canmil/ww1/women/fem.htm
+
*[http://www.militarybadges.org.uk/mimage/militar1.htm Military Images]
----------------------------
 
The A.T.S.
 
  
http://hometown.aol.co.uk/asummerof4...ollection.html
+
*[http://homepages.tesco.net/~medals/page4.htm Downloadable Pictures and Descriptions of UK Military Medals]
  
The Auxiliary Territorial Service
+
*[http://www.answers.com/topic/list-of-victoria-cross-recipients-by-nationality List of Victoria Cross Recipients by Nationality]
-------------------------------------------------------
 
WW1
 
  
http://www.1914-1918.net/
+
*[http://www.britishmedalforum.com/index.php British Medal Forum]
  
 +
*[http://www.1914-1918.net/grandad/mic.htm Interpreting Campaign Medal Index Cards]
  
TIMELINE OF FIRST WORLD WAR BATTLES 1914-1918
+
*[http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Defencefor/Veterans MOD-Service Records and Medals]
  
*Mons August 1914
+
*[http://www.militarybadges.org.uk/badget11.htm Military Badge identification]
*Tannenberg August, 1914
 
*Heligoland August, 1914
 
*Marne September, 1914
 
*Aisne September, 1914
 
*Albert September, 1914
 
*Arras October, 1914
 
*Ypres October - November, 1914
 
*Neuve Chapelle March, 1915
 
*Gallipoli Campaign March, 1915 - January, 1916
 
*Artois May, 1915
 
*Isonzo June, 1915
 
*Artois-Loos September, 1915
 
*Verdun February - December, 1916
 
*Jutland May, 1916
 
*Somme July - November, 1916
 
*Gorizia August, 1916
 
*Flers-Courcelette September, 1916
 
*Gaza March - April, 1917
 
*Arras April - May, 1917
 
*Aisne April -May, 1917
 
*Messines June, 1917
 
*Passchendaele July - November, 1917
 
*Caporetto October, 1917
 
*Cambrai November, 1917
 
*Aisne May, 1918
 
*Le Hamel July, 1918
 
*Marne July, 1918
 
*Amiens August, 1918
 
*Albert August, 1918
 
*St Mihiel September, 1918
 
*Meuse-Argonne September - November, 1918
 
*Canal du Nord September, 1918
 
*Vittorio Veneto October, 1918
 
  
The site mentioned above has a serious Great War Forum with many experts on it>>>
+
*[http://www.king-emperor.com/medals-campaign.htm Campaign Medals 1902-1939]
  
http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/fo...p?showforum=23
+
*[http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/wwi_medals.htm Campaign Medals First World War 1914-18]
------------------
 
Very good WW1 site.
 
  
http://www.1914-1918.net
+
*[http://northirishhorse.net/ww1/rolls-1/1914Star.html World War One - 1914 Star Recipients: North Irish Horse]
  
Interpreting medal cards:
+
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/medals.asp Medal cards]
 +
<br><br>
  
http://www.1914-1918.net/mics.htm
+
==Prisoners of War and Internees==
--------------
 
WW1 photos/obituaries – downloadable for a small fee
 
  
“Thousands of identified photos of First World War officers, soldiers, sailors, nurses, airmen and civilian workers available. Also obituaries and short records of service from Rolls Of Honour and The National Roll Of The Great War.
+
The [http://www.icrc.org/eng International Committee of the Red Cross] in Geneva keeps lists of all known POWs and internees of all nationalities for the Second World War. Enquiries concerning these lists should be directed to:
  
http://www.ww1photos.com/index.html
+
Archives Division and Research Service<br>
 +
International Committee of the Red Cross<br>
 +
19 Avenue de la Paix,<br>
 +
Geneva CH-1202,<br>
 +
Switzerland
  
-------------
+
Email: archives.gva@icrc.org
everything you want to know about WW1!!!
 
  
http://www.firstworldwar.com/index.htm
 
  
Below are just a few of the topics covered, - history & timeline of WW1
+
*[http://www.kriegsgefangen.de/ The German Prisoners of World War 2]
battlefield tours. maps, memoirs & diaries, posters, prose & poetry, photographs, weapons, who’s who. And lots more
 
  
I would really recommend this as a starting point – I find it excellent
+
*[http://www.merkki.com/index.htm WW2 Prisoners of War: Stalag Luft I ]
  
 +
*[http://www.1914-1918.net/POW/index.php Behind the Wire. POW 1914-1918]
  
And another comprehensive site (but take care over some aspects as not all articles/illustrations refer solely to the UK)
+
*[http://www.cowraregion.com.au/home/2292/POW_Camp_Info.pdf Cowra prisoner of war campsite]
  
http://www.teacheroz.com/wwi.htm
+
*[http://www.cofepow.org.uk/ COFEPOW ~ The Children (& Families) of the Far East Prisoners of War]
---------------
 
http://www.derbyshirelads.uwclub.net/index.html
 
this is a handy little site following the profiles of derbyshire soldiers in the Great war-the Sherwood Forresters-details and name indexes.
 
2
 
http://www.pals.org.uk/pals_e.htm
 
dedicated to the Accrington Pals who died in the War
 
---------------------
 
www.worldwar1.com TRENCHES
 
--------------------
 
Personal Diary -Great War Soldier
 
  
http://www.freewebs.com/hhhumphrey/
+
*[http://34thdivdeathcasualties.homestead.com/files/POW_109MED.htm Prisoners of War 109TH Medical Battalion (1942 - 1945) WW2 & Beyond]
  
this is a personal diary site about a soldier in the Great War-well worth a look.
+
*[http://www.holocaust-history.org/ The Holocaust History Project]
----------------------
 
Battlefields
 
  
http://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/links.html
+
*[http://www.ushmm.org/museum/exhibit/online/hsx/ The Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals]
really clear site that isnt too detailed specifically relating to battlefields
 
  
http://battlefields1418.50megs.com/
 
GREAT WAR BATTLEFIELDS - set up by Paul Reed,a military historian.
 
  
 +
Book: '''Prisoners of War, British Army, 1939 - 1945'''
  
http://www.greatwar.nl
+
That lists alphabetically over 107,000 British Army POWs of all ranks held in
THE HERITAGE OF THE GREATWAR (copyright free)=incredible series of photographs on here,some coloured-old postcards-very raw images WARNING-some images of of deceased soldiers and are very graphic A must see site designed by Rob Ruggenberg
+
Germany or in German occupied territories in World War Two. It gives each
--------------------
+
POW's camp, POW number, surname, initials, rank, army number and
Aviation in the Great war
+
regiment/corps.
  
This is a cracking little history site concentrating on World War One aviation.It has lots of content and a wartime timeline.
+
It was re-published in 1990, by J B Hayward and Sons of Polstead, Suffolk
http://www.wwiaviation.com/toc.shtml
+
<br><br>
  
 +
==Women in the Military==
  
http://www.overthefront.com/
+
*[http://www.wartimememoriesproject.com/ww2/womenslandarmy.php Reminiscences of Land Army Girls]
LEAGUE OF WORLD WAR ONE AVIATION HISTORIANS -has an ask the expert section
 
--------------------
 
War Sites Canadian Soldiers
 
  
CANADIAN SOLDIERS databases for The First world war-
+
*[http://www.pasttimesproject.co.uk/lsl_browse.php?subsite=ll&catprofession=Women%92s+Land+Army Times past - Land Army Girls]
  
http://www.rootsweb.com/~ww1can/
+
*[http://www.thewrens.com/history/ Brief history - Wrens] 
Very comprehensive site from a Canadian perspective-huge resources contained here.Check out all the sections.
 
  
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/02/020106_e.html
+
*[http://www.qaranc.co.uk/qaimns.php World War I Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service QAIMNS Nurses]
Canadian Libraries archive database
 
  
http://www.cmhg.gc.ca/html/browse/se...&t=0&Ne=100000
+
*[http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/FWWnurses.htm Voluntary Aid Detachments]
Gateway site with personal reports and observations submitted
 
  
http://www.kingandempire.com/index.html
+
*[http://www.micklebring.com/oakwood/ch01.htm The History of Voluntary Aid Detachment ]
check out the massive name archive of canadian soldiers here-indexed -all with sepia photographs
 
  
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/02/020152_e.html
+
*[http://web.ukonline.co.uk/john.marfleet/postcards/vad.htm Postcard Images of VAD Life]
WAR DIARIES
 
  
http://www.102ndbattalioncef.ca/index.htm  
+
*[http://www.rootsweb.com/~canmil/ww1/women/fem.htm The Canadian Military Heritage Project, Women in the War] 
102nd Canadian battalion BN CEF-this is a truly incredible site for one battalion-lots of photographs.
 
  
http://www.vac-acc.gc.ca/remembers/
+
*[http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/auxiliary_territorial_service.htm The Auxiliary Territorial Service - ATS]
a database of 116,000canadians and newfoundlanders in a virtual war memorial
 
  
http://www.cefresearch.com/phpBB2/index.php
+
*[http://www.ibiblio.org/hyperwar/USA/USA-WAC/ The Women's Army Corps]
canadian expeditionary force study group forum
 
-------------------
 
Irish in the war
 
  
http://freespace.virgin.net/sh.k/xvidiv.html 16th Irish Division-dedicational site
+
*[http://www.scarletfinders.co.uk/ Scarlet Finders - British Military Nurses 1875-1925]
----------
 
Prisoners of war
 
  
http://www.1914-1918.net/POW/index.php BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR DATABASE for the GREAT WAR
 
--------------------------
 
military executions -desertion
 
  
Finally the 306 men (all named on this site with details) have been pardoned.This site explores in detail those labelled as deserters and cowards.By the time of the second world war,the number stood at less than 10,as mental illness was better understood.
 
  
http://www.shotatdawn.org.uk/
 
---------------
 
Great War Dead-Cemeteries round the world
 
  
The daddy of all war grave sites for WW1.It covers 940 cemeteries round the world,all photograhed
+
==Woolwich Arsenal Employee Records==
  
 +
At one time there were an estimated 80,000 employees.
  
http://ww1cemeteries.com/
+
Carole Jones<br>
---------------------
+
General Manager<br>
Northants soldiers Photos
+
Support Services<br>
 +
DSDC Llangennech<br>
 +
Mwrwg Road<br>
 +
Llangennech Llanelli<br>
 +
Carms SA14 8YP
  
http://www.northants-familytree.net/soldier%20index.htm
+
Tel: 01554 822497
  
the intro to the site speaks for itself>>>>>>.
+
If anyone requests a search of these records then it would be helpful if they back the cause and have a whinge about records being held in Wales rather than at the Arsenal (Heritage Center in Woolwich) and also stress the importance of not destroying records after the 100 year rule which is based from the employees DOB (although it is thought that they have been fairly reasonable on this one and so chances are they may still have the record).
  
THE NORTHAMPTON INDEPENDENT SOLDIER PHOTOGRAPH INDEX
+
This link explains more about the Arsenal - [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Arsenal Royal Arsenal]
 +
<br><br>
 +
==Other Resources==
 +
Shop:''' The Queens Shilling''' specialises in military books and items:
  
IS TAKEN FROM THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER BETWEEN 1914-20.
+
:Commercial Road, <br>
 
+
:Parkstone, <br>
EVERY NORTHANTS SOLDIER, SAILOR AND NURSE WHO APPEARED WITH A PHOTOGRAPH
+
:Poole<br>
 
+
:Dorset<br>
IN THE PUBLICATION IS INDEXED.
+
:Tel: 01202 723335<br>
-----------------------------
+
<br><br>
Just seen an article in the latest issue of "Your Family Tree" magazine which says that the Western Front Association are starting a new service where they will provide colour copies of both the fronts and backs of a specified WW1 medal index card (even if the back is blank) for a £5 donation to the WFA, which is a registered charity.
 
 
 
Most cards don't have anything on the back, but I think perhaps if it says "OVER" in the bottom right-hand corner it may mean there is something.
 
They are going to set up an online ordering system but at the moment you have to apply by post to WFA, PO Box 1918, Stockport, SK4 4WN.
 
 
 
I can't see anything about this on the WFA website at http://web.westernfrontassociation.com/
 
yet.
 
-----------------------------------
 
RAMC - Medical Corps
 
  
http://ramc-ww1.com
+
==British Wars through the Centuries==
  
This is a database of people who served in the RAMC during the 1st World War, it is still in its early stages but worth making note of for the future.
+
Roman Invasion (43)
  
Also http://www.ams-museum.org.uk. - the Army Medical Services museum website
+
Manduessedum (61)
-------------------------------------------------
 
I just came across what looks like a good forum for discussing medals:
 
http://www.britishmedalforum.com/index.php
 
-----------------
 
More about the Medal Cards here:
 
  
Watch the second video film:
+
Battle of Mons Graupius (83)
  
http://www.vision-news.tv/news/vision-news-somme.html
+
Norman Conquest (1066)
------------------------------------
 
The Royal Navy
 
Prior to 1972 all RN personnel were given their service record when they discharged. For pension purposes the RN retained pay details. Therefore the only information held on RN personnel who served prior to 1972 are their Service details (number, rank, name etc) and a list of dates and ships/shore bases.
 
  
 +
The Hundred Years' War (1337 to 1453)
  
A Subject Access Requests (SAR) form needs to be completed in order to access records.
+
Battle of Agincourt (1415)  
  
The following address should be used for all Royal Navy and Royal Marine Enquiries
+
Wars of the Roses (1455 - 1485)
  
DNCM
+
Battle of Bosworth Field - last British king to die in combat (1485)
Data Protection Cell
 
Building 1/152
 
PP65
 
  
Victory View
+
Italian Wars (1494 ? 1559)
HMNB Portsmouth
 
PO1 3LS
 
Telephone Numbers: 02392 727531 / 723114 / 726063
 
-------------------
 
WW2 WW11 WWII
 
  
HMS EXETER crew lists
+
Eighty Years' War (1598 - 1648)
  
http://www.hmsexeter.com/biographies/exeterabc.html
+
Spanish Armada (1588)
  
Includes
+
Bishops' Wars (1639 - 1640)
Rank
 
some Navy / service numbers
 
POW/ KIA
 
and some futher information for some members of the ship.
 
-------------------------
 
Shore bases and training establishments
 
  
http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/UKRNMainBases.htm
+
British Civil War (1642 - 1649)
  
-----------------
+
First Anglo-Dutch War (1652 - 1654)
World War 2 Crewlists for:
 
  
HMS Prince of Wales
+
Anglo-Spanish War (1654 - 1660)
HMS Repulse
 
HMS Electra
 
HMS Express
 
HMS Tenedos
 
HMAS Vampire
 
SS Automedon
 
HMS Cornwall
 
HMS Dorsetshire
 
HMS Encounter
 
HMS Jupiter
 
HMS Rapid
 
HMS Saumarez
 
HMS Stronghold
 
HMS Thanet
 
HMS Thracian
 
HMS Peterel
 
HMS Li-Wo
 
HMS Dragonfly
 
HMS Grasshopper
 
HMS Hollyhock
 
HMS Paladin
 
HMS Porpoise
 
HMS Quilliam
 
HMS Stonehenge
 
HMS Stratagem
 
HMS Ulster
 
HMS Verulam
 
HMS Virago
 
HMS Volage
 
HM Tug Yin Ping
 
  
http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/
+
Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665 - 1667)
------------------
 
Mariners List site
 
  
This very plain site is deceptive......it is a no nonense but very thorough database for the Royal Navy.........
+
War of Devolution (1667 - 1668)
  
http://www.mariners-l.co.uk
+
Third Anglo-Dutch War (1672 - 1674)
-------------------------
 
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/p...lery3/navy.htm
 
http://www.catalogue.nationalarchive...uidesindex.asp
 
http://home.swipnet.se/~w-11578/research.htm
 
www.mariners-l.co.uk/UKRNPersonnel.html
 
  
www.royal-navy.mod.uk
+
King Philip's War (1675 - 1676)
www.pbenyon.plus.com/Naval.html
 
www.nelsonsnavy.co.uk
 
  
www.archiveshub.ac.uk
+
Monmouth Rebellion (1685)
www.ageofnelson.org
 
www.angelfire.com/de/BobSanders/RNBIOG1.html
 
www.navylist.org
 
www.cwgc.org
 
www.1837online.com
 
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jeffery...s/RNShips.html
 
www.angelfire.com/de/BobSanders/81Intro.html
 
www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk/royal.htm
 
www.naval-history.net
 
www.hmshood.com
 
www.nmm.ac.uk
 
http://www.barnettresearch.freeserve.../education.htm
 
www.gazettes-online.co.uk
 
www.portcities.org.uk/london
 
www.pbenyon.plus.com/Naval.html
 
  
www.nmm.ac.uk
+
Battle of Sedgemoor (1685) - last battle on English soil
www.iwm.org.uk
 
www.royalnavalmuseum.org
 
www.mariners-l.co.uk
 
------------------------
 
Navy Records
 
  
Royal Navy Records can be applied for using the following contact address details
+
War of the Grand Alliance (or King William's War) (1688 - 1697)
  
Officers aged 60 or under
+
Jacobite Rebellions (1689 - 1746)  
Naval Secretary (OMOBS)
 
Room 169
 
Victory Building
 
HM Naval Base
 
Portsmouth
 
POL 3LS
 
  
---------------------------------------------
+
Battle of Culloden (1746) - last battle on the British mainland
  
Officers born before 1914 and Ratings enlisted before 1924
+
War of the Spanish Succession (1702 - 1713)
  
The National Archicves
+
Queen Anne's War (1702 - 1713)
Kew
 
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
 
  
---------------------------------------------
+
War of Jenkin's Ear (1739 - 1742)
  
Ratings enlisted after 1924
+
War of the Austrian Succession (1740 - 1748)
NPP Accounts 1, AFPAA
 
Centurion Building
 
Grange Road
 
Gosport
 
Hampshire
 
PO13 9XA
 
-----------------------------------
 
Royal Naval Museum
 
  
http://www.flagship.org.uk/welcome.html
+
Seven Years War (1756-1763)
  
-------------------------------
+
Fourth Anglo-Dutch War (1780-1784)
Ship Index
 
  
A list of early naval ships along with dates for each vessel at;
+
American War of Independence (1775 to 1783)
  
http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/18-1900/Index.html
+
Napoleonic Wars (1803 - 1815)
  
Sometimes a series of vessels carried the same name, the site gives dates for each known vessell which carried a name
+
Battle of Trafalgar (1805)
----------------------------
 
Found this site whilst looking for a friend's rellie who was killed serving in the navy during WW1
 
  
http://www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk/index.htm
+
British-American War (1812)
  
There is a search for the name of the person or the ship, plus where the various memorials are in Portsmouth.
+
First Anglo-Afghan War (1839 - 1842)
--------------------------
 
I was researching for a friend of mine who knew that her Husband's G'Dad died in an accident on board - family legend had it that this was in Portsmouth harbour, but the search revealed that his ship, the 'Bulwark' was actually moored at Sheerness. Those who died are named on the memorial on Southsea front.
 
  
Unfortunately, I can't help on the 'surviving' ships front, but I did look at a good site which lists many ships and what their fate was after the war.
+
First Opium War (1839 - 1842)
There are also photos of the crews in some cases.
 
  
http://www.battleships-cruisers.co.uk
+
Crimean War (1854 - 1856)  Charge of the Light Brigade
------------------------------
 
Brompton War Memorial Kent - Roll of Honour
 
  
Found this little site/page when searching around - has names listed that are on the memorial ...........
+
Second Opium War (or The Arrow War) (1856 - 1860)
  
http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Kent/Brompton.html
+
Anglo-Zulu War (1879)
---------------------------
 
Rainham War Memorial Kent - Roll of Honour
 
  
Similar to the previous posting but for Rainham Kent
+
Boer War (1880 - 1881 and 1899 - 1902)
  
http://www.roll-of-honour.com/Kent/Rainham.html
+
Anglo-Irish War (1919 - 1921)
---------------------------------
 
Royal Navy Air Station-- Fleet Air Arm, a branch of the RN
 
  
 +
[[World War One|'''World War I (1914 - 1918)''']]
  
My father was on just as many ships during ww2 He served on the same ship several times. Non officers changed ships each time they went on leave, or when the ship put in for repairs.
+
[[World War Two|'''World War II (1939 - 1945)''']]
  
Your great Uncle was a stoker, later a leading stoker, which meant he worked in the engine room. A stoker basically shovelled coal into the boilers to steam up . On ships without coal the rank was kept but he would still work in the engine room.
+
Cold War (1945 - 1991)
  
http://www.mariners-l.co.uk/UKRNMainBases.htm
+
Malayan Emergency (1948 - 1960)
  
Go to this site for all the shore bases, mainly WW2 tho' , your great uncle would have visited it several times during the war usually for further training or awaiting a new ship.
+
Korean War (1950 - 1953)
  
QUOTE re VIVID This was his Shore Base
+
Mau Mau Uprising (1952 - 1960)  
http://www.maritimequest.com/guestbo...message_57.htm
 
'The Royal Naval Barracks at Devonport (adjacent to Plymouth) was built in the late 1800s and at the time the Commander in Chief of the area had an official yacht HMS VIVID. He decided that the new barracks should take the designation HMS VIVID. It was customary for satellites of shore establishments to take the "ship name" of their parent with I or II and so on added. HMS VIVID I was the signals centre associated with the Devonport Barracks but not actually inside the perimeter. HMS VIVID II and III would have been shore units, part of the Devonport barracks, probably not actually within the perimeter but certainly within the general area of Plymouth Naval Base.' UNQUOTE
 
  
 +
Cyprus Emergency (1955 - 1959)
  
http://www.worldwar1.co.uk/pre-dread.htm
+
Suez Crisis (1956)
  
this site is good for ships during WW1
+
Brunei Uprising (1962)
  
 +
Konfrontasi (1962-1966)
  
http://www.gwpda.org/naval/j0300001.htm
+
Aden Emergency (1963 - 1967)
This site records the Battle of Otranto Straits 15th May 1917. Your great Uncle was on board the ship HMS Dartmouth at the time.
 
  
QUOTE from enemy perspective on http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian...horthy/06.html
+
Icelandic Cod War (1975 - 1976)
'The enemy had lost twenty-three net-trailing drifters, two transports, two destroyers and one aeroplane. In addition, the enemy flagship Dartmouth was attacked by a German U-boat as she was entering the harbour of Brindisi and holed by two torpedoes. The French destroyer Boutefeu, going to the assistance of the Dartmouth, ran onto a mine released by the U-boat and sank.' UNQUOTE
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
HMS Pembroke is a shore base not a ship. It's Chatham Naval Barracks and also home of the Coast guard Service.
 
  
You can look up th ships he was on here:
+
Falklands War (1982)
  
http://www.worldwar1.co.uk/pre-dread.htm
+
Gulf War (1990 - 1991)
  
Royal arthur was an armoured cruiser
+
Kosovo War (1999)
  
Minos was a destroyer
+
Sierra Leone (2000)
  
I think Watchful was a shorebase in WW1 too.
+
2001 Afghanistan War (2001-2002)
  
Do you have his service record? you can search for it here and down load it for £3.50
+
2003 invasion of Iraq (2003)
  
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/d...=*&queryType=1
 
  
You won't find Ships's crews list as all ships changed their crews on a regular basis.
 
  
Have you searched the sites listed in other posts above?
 
  
Googling is as good a way as any to find out the history of the ship and which battles for example that ship took part in. His service record will give you the dates he was aboard so you can easily see what action he was involved in himself during the war.
+
Back to [[:Category:Military and Maritime History|Military and Maritime History]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
http://rmhh.co.uk/mariners.html
 
  
This is a website that gives links to various Merchant Navy and Royal Navy information.
+
Back to [[Main Page]]
--------------------------------------------
 
Lancastria Association of Scotland
 
  
www.lancstria.org
+
Back to [[General History]]

Latest revision as of 18:54, 20 July 2022

Yeomen.jpg



General Military Information

British Military Records Through The Ages

When you are searching for Military Service Records there are a few important pieces of information that you need to have. These are:

  • Full name of the individual. If you have as full a name as possible this will make tracking your individual easier. E.g. John Brown. There must be hundreds of John Browns. If you have a middle name it will make things a bit easier. E.g. John W Brown.
  • The Service in which he served. Army, Royal Navy or Air Force.
  • Rank and Regiment or Naval Ship or Squadron. Having the service number can be particularly helpful.
  • Find out when the person served; pre First World War, First World War and after 1920.
  • The more details you have the better. Having the dates of enlistment and demobilisation can be helpful as well.






Before 1914



After 1914



A-Z List of Ex-Military Service Organisations


Medals, Badges and Decorations

World War One Medal Card



Prisoners of War and Internees

The International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva keeps lists of all known POWs and internees of all nationalities for the Second World War. Enquiries concerning these lists should be directed to:

Archives Division and Research Service
International Committee of the Red Cross
19 Avenue de la Paix,
Geneva CH-1202,
Switzerland

Email: archives.gva@icrc.org



Book: Prisoners of War, British Army, 1939 - 1945

That lists alphabetically over 107,000 British Army POWs of all ranks held in Germany or in German occupied territories in World War Two. It gives each POW's camp, POW number, surname, initials, rank, army number and regiment/corps.

It was re-published in 1990, by J B Hayward and Sons of Polstead, Suffolk

Women in the Military



Woolwich Arsenal Employee Records

At one time there were an estimated 80,000 employees.

Carole Jones
General Manager
Support Services
DSDC Llangennech
Mwrwg Road
Llangennech Llanelli
Carms SA14 8YP

Tel: 01554 822497

If anyone requests a search of these records then it would be helpful if they back the cause and have a whinge about records being held in Wales rather than at the Arsenal (Heritage Center in Woolwich) and also stress the importance of not destroying records after the 100 year rule which is based from the employees DOB (although it is thought that they have been fairly reasonable on this one and so chances are they may still have the record).

This link explains more about the Arsenal - Royal Arsenal

Other Resources

Shop: The Queens Shilling specialises in military books and items:

Commercial Road,
Parkstone,
Poole
Dorset
Tel: 01202 723335



British Wars through the Centuries

Roman Invasion (43)

Manduessedum (61)

Battle of Mons Graupius (83)

Norman Conquest (1066)

The Hundred Years' War (1337 to 1453)

Battle of Agincourt (1415)

Wars of the Roses (1455 - 1485)

Battle of Bosworth Field - last British king to die in combat (1485)

Italian Wars (1494 ? 1559)

Eighty Years' War (1598 - 1648)

Spanish Armada (1588)

Bishops' Wars (1639 - 1640)

British Civil War (1642 - 1649)

First Anglo-Dutch War (1652 - 1654)

Anglo-Spanish War (1654 - 1660)

Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665 - 1667)

War of Devolution (1667 - 1668)

Third Anglo-Dutch War (1672 - 1674)

King Philip's War (1675 - 1676)

Monmouth Rebellion (1685)

Battle of Sedgemoor (1685) - last battle on English soil

War of the Grand Alliance (or King William's War) (1688 - 1697)

Jacobite Rebellions (1689 - 1746)

Battle of Culloden (1746) - last battle on the British mainland

War of the Spanish Succession (1702 - 1713)

Queen Anne's War (1702 - 1713)

War of Jenkin's Ear (1739 - 1742)

War of the Austrian Succession (1740 - 1748)

Seven Years War (1756-1763)

Fourth Anglo-Dutch War (1780-1784)

American War of Independence (1775 to 1783)

Napoleonic Wars (1803 - 1815)

Battle of Trafalgar (1805)

British-American War (1812)

First Anglo-Afghan War (1839 - 1842)

First Opium War (1839 - 1842)

Crimean War (1854 - 1856) Charge of the Light Brigade

Second Opium War (or The Arrow War) (1856 - 1860)

Anglo-Zulu War (1879)

Boer War (1880 - 1881 and 1899 - 1902)

Anglo-Irish War (1919 - 1921)

World War I (1914 - 1918)

World War II (1939 - 1945)

Cold War (1945 - 1991)

Malayan Emergency (1948 - 1960)

Korean War (1950 - 1953)

Mau Mau Uprising (1952 - 1960)

Cyprus Emergency (1955 - 1959)

Suez Crisis (1956)

Brunei Uprising (1962)

Konfrontasi (1962-1966)

Aden Emergency (1963 - 1967)

Icelandic Cod War (1975 - 1976)

Falklands War (1982)

Gulf War (1990 - 1991)

Kosovo War (1999)

Sierra Leone (2000)

2001 Afghanistan War (2001-2002)

2003 invasion of Iraq (2003)



Back to Military and Maritime History

Back to Main Page

Back to General History