Search WW2 Military Records
Welcome to Second World War Ancestors. Explore a unique, growing database updated every month, allowing you to search British WWII military records by name, service number, and more. Our archive is useful whether or not you already hold an official personal service record.
Our names and details are extracted directly from original operational documents covering the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, and Royal Air Force, as well as the Merchant Navy, Empire, and Allied Free Forces. Thousands of names are added every month.
Full 12-Month Membership — Only £14.95 (Equivalent to £1.25 per month)
 Discover Unique WW2 Military Records
The RecordsÂ
Most of the documents making up our database have never been listed or made available elsewhere online. We concentrate on fresh content and the more difficult records to index, uncovering vital details missing from standard personal service files.
- Original Operational Files: Unit War Diaries covering those serving in the UK and every theatre of the war, alongside detailed files covering casualties in action and operational reports.Â
- Authoritative Sources: Compiled mainly from original records held at The National Archives, Kew.Â
- Officer Supplements: Records for Commissioned Officers are often supplemented with their first commission date taken from the London Gazette.Â
 How the Database Works
- No Name Duplication: When an individual appears across multiple documents, we combine their details into one clear, easy-to-read entry.
- Detailed Personnel Data: Entries include service numbers (for all ranks, plus Army and RAF commissioned officers), unit, rank on a specific date, and trade or position within the unit when known.
- Monthly Growth: Thousands of newly transcribed names are added every single month.
For details on how to search and what each data field means, visit our About page.Â
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What Membership Includes
For £14.95 for a full year (only £1.25 per month), your membership includes:
- Unlimited Database Searches: Full access to our searchable operational database for 12 months, including all monthly updates.
- Personalised Research Advice: Hit a brick wall or received a “no trace” reply from the MoD? Email us what you have, and we will assess your documents and advise on where to look next. If you already hold a full service record, we can guide you on further research steps.
- Photograph Analysis: Send us a wartime photograph of your ancestor, and we may be able to identify crucial details from their uniform, badges, insignia, and surroundings.
 Explore Our Free Research Blog
Our accompanying blog, The British WWII Ancestor Blog, is completely free for everyone to read. Explore helpful historical context on service battles, unit movements, and operational actions to assist your general family history and genealogy research. (starting November 2026)
 Frequently Asked Questions
 Are these the official personal service records?
No. Individual personal service files are held by the MoD. Our database is extracted from official operational records (such as battalion war diaries, casualty files, and operational logs) held largely at The National Archives. These files contain wartime context, dates, and actions missing from personal service files.
 What happens if I search and don’t find my ancestor right away?
Because we transcribe specific official operational documents rather than a universal index of everyone who served, a match on day one cannot be guaranteed. However, we add thousands of new names every single month. Your 12-month subscription lets you check back monthly as the archive grows, alongside using our email advice and photo analysis services.
How do I request research advice or photograph analysis?
Once you join, simply email us with the details or photographs you have. We will review your information personally and reply with tailored advice on your next research steps.
 How does the subscription work?
Membership costs a single upfront payment of £14.95 for a full 12 months (less than £1.25 per month). This gives you unrestricted access to the database, all monthly record drops, and our personal email support for a year.
Explore the records that have been consulted and examples from out database below.
