WWI Army service records

[georgersweir]

Is it possible to find WWI army service records online, other than taking out a subscription to Ancestry.com?

[Hughie]

I don't think any official service records for WW1 are on-line, George. From my understanding you'd have to contact the Ministry of Defence to see if the records you're interested in survived. Unfortunately around 50% of WW1 service records were destroyed during WW2 through enemy bombing.

[Ann]

Is it possible to find WWI army service records online, other than taking out a subscription to Ancestry.com?

Hi,
I could have a look at the records if you would like to share your information.
Ann

[georgersweir]

Is it possible to find WWI army service records online, other than taking out a subscription to Ancestry.com?

Hi,
I could have a look at the records if you would like to share your information.
Ann

Ann, I am grateful for any help you can offer. I am looking for information on my great grandfather. The details I have at present are:

Private JOHN MILLER (b.~1880, m. 1900 d. 1915)
12636, 2nd Bn., Royal Scots Fusiliers, died age 36 on 17 June 1915
Husband of Ellen McKean (formerly Miller), of 17, Peter St., Irvine, Ayrshire. Buried at Lillers Communal Cemetery, France.

It seems very poignant to be looking for such information at this time of year. We attended the public wreath laying ceremony yesterday here in Ayr, as part of Remembrance Day.

[hahaya2004]

George, I expect you have checked the CWG site, as you know where he is buried. You could get a copy of his service return (death notice) from the GROS.
Irene

[Ann]

I have found John's medal card. Please PM me your email address and I will send it to you.
Ann

[Ann]

2nd Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers
August 1914 - In Gibraltar. Returned to England, landing September 1914, and attached to the 21st Brigade, 7th Division.
Landed at Zeebrugge October 6 1914
The 7th Division was known as one of the greatest fighting formations Britain ever put into the field, and they were the first British troops to occupy the trenches in Ypres.

1914
The first battle of Ypres - 19 October-22 November 1914 - 23 November 1914-6 February 1915
1915
The battle of Neuve Chopelle - 10 March-22 April, 1915
The Battle of Aubers - 1-10 May, 1915
The battle of Festubert 15-25 May, 1915
The second action of Givenchy 15 June, 1915
This was probably where John lost his life, as the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers were brought in as reinforcements and order "over the top"
More than half the attacking companies were down even before reaching their own wire, and 5 out of 13 men were hit even before leaving the trenches.
2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers
73 men killed and 4 officers
127 men wounded and 3 officers
Ann

[Ann]

Hi George,
I have sent you the medal card via email. I hope it works.............
Best wishes,
Ann