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Anyone who served in the First World War 1914-1918 or, as it was known at one time the 'Great War', must now be over a hundred years old. This means that already one of the most costly wars in history, in terms of soldiers' lives, is passing rapidly into the realms of family history and genealogy. With over 5 million men serving in the forces from the British Isles alone and many women, both at home and overseas, in hospitals, munitions and other war work, there can be few people who did not have at least one close ancestor involved in the war.

This book sets out to provide family history researchers with a list of sources available to them so that they may construct the career of a soldier.

For those who wish to record a history of their ancestors' was experiences it is almost too late. The most vital of the record, the 'Parish Registers' of army research have already been destroyed and no 'Bishop's Transcripts' or copies exist. This book sets out to provide the family history researcher with a list of sources available to them so that they may reconstruct the career of a soldier. Although it provides a few clues, it does not attempt to lay down the research methods as these must depend to a large extent on the individual case. Moreover, the contents are mainly concerned with Army NCOs and private soldiers. Officers, being somewhat easier to deal with, are not considered except in passing. A large part is taken up with referenced to sources and books, although the latter is far from being a complete list.

Holding