Ancestry releases first batch of Second World War army service records

Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk) has released the first batch of infantry records from the Second World War (and beyond):

UK, Military Service Records, 1939-1959
https://www.ancestry.co.uk/search/collections/62685/
Source: WO 422: War Office: Infantry Over Age Other Ranks: Service Records, Second World War. Kew, Surrey, England: The National Archives, London, England. 

General collection information

This collection contains more than 2 million service records for British infantry service members discharged as over age between 1939 and 1959. The records for personnel from the Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Cavalry, and Guards Regiments are not included in this collection.

Many of the records are military attestation forms that contain personal information for each soldier. The collection also includes records of those who had joined the British Army Reserves prior to the Second World War and then saw service in the conflict.

Digitization of this collection is ongoing, and additional records will be added as they are digitized.

Using this collection

Records in this collection may include the following information:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Occupation
• Height
• Weight
• Distinguishing marks
• Next of kin
• Regiment

The information in these records may help you learn about your ancestor’s military service during and after the Second World War. Learning what regiment your ancestor served in may allow you to find historical accounts of the activities of that regiment during the war. The records also may give you a basic understanding of your ancestor’s physical attributes.

An exploration of the record image may also tell you the parish, town, and county where your ancestor was born and their address at the time of enlistment. The records list military service rendered and whether a soldier was wounded or received medals or decorations.

* NB: This collection is only partially complete - digitisation is ongoing and future updates are planned. A recent article from Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine suggests that 106,000 records from the first batch.

Chris 

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