Both 1920 onwards

The records of Officers and Other British Army ranks from 1920 onwards, including those still serving, are held at the Army Personnel Centre, (APC) in Glasgow. Access to these records may be requested through the Veterans Section of the Army Website www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/ Here you will find advice about medals and how to access Service Records as well as the number for a free Helpline service.

Brigade of Guards

The regiments of Foot Guards have traditionally retained their own records. British Army Records from the early nineteenth century to the present date are held by the appropriate regimental Headquarters. Postal inquiries only should be addressed to :
Regimental Headquarters
Grenadier/Coldstream/Scots/Irish/Welsh Guards
Wellington Barracks
Birdcage Walk
London SW1E 6HQ

Indian Army

Records of the officers and other ranks of the Honourable East India Company's (HEIC) armies and of the Indian Army, 1861-1947 are to be found in the India Office Library and Records collection of the British Library (Oriental + Indian Office Records).

Other Sources

Imperial War Museum (IWM). The IWM contains no personal service records or official documentation. However, there is an unparalleled reference library of some 125,000 books and pamphlets and 15,000 volumes of periodicals.
National Army Museum (NAM). The NAM contains an impressive library with excellent runs of the Army List and London Gazette. In addition NAM holds records for the period 1901-1960 relating to soldiers' estates. These are of particular value as they frequently contain details of next-of-kin.
Ministry of Defence Medal Office. The Ministry of Defence Medal office controls the issue and replacement of medals. Before claiming unclaimed WW2 medals you will require a record of service from the Army Personnel Centre. To replace issued medals you will be required to furnish proof of loss (police report or insurance claim etc.). The full cost of any replacement medals may be payable. It is possible for members of the public and non-serving personnel to download a Medal Application Form from the Army website www.army.mod.uk by clicking on “Medals/Badges”, the 2nd bullet under the Veterans heading. Additional advice may be obtained from the Medal Office on 0800 085 3600or by email from JPAC@afpaa.mod.uk
Armed Forces Memorial – Roll of Honour. On Friday 12 October 2007, HM The Queen unveiled the Armed Forces Memorial at National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire. The memorial contains the names of 16,000 servicemen and women killed on duty or as a result of terrorist action since WW2. The Roll of Honour currently provides information up to 31 December 2006. Access to the Roll of Honour and a facility to print a certificate is available at www.forcesmemorial.org.uk