The National Archives
The National Archives,
Ruskin Avenue,
Kew,
Richmond,
Surrey. TW9 4DU.
Telephone 0208876 3444
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
The National Archive holds the surviving Service Records of all soldiers from the Great War and earlier. There is a good survival rate for the earlier records, though they do not exist for any man who died during his service, or purchased his discharge. Sadly, about 65% of those from the Great War were destroyed by enemy air action during the Blitz in World War 2, so you have to be very lucky to find what you want. To get information it is necessary to visit Kew in person or to employ a researcher. To use the records you have to have a reader’s ticket, which is obtainable at Kew on production of proof of identity – driving licence, banker’s card, passport etc.
The National Archive also holds Muster Rolls & Pay Lists up to the late 1880s, all Unit War Diaries (both World Wars), and medal records (see also the Medal Entitlement section on the Other Research Sources web page).
Start by looking at the very informative website, where a number of records, including WW1 medal entitlement, can be accessed.
