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Paid search: Request military service records for a person born before 1909

Use this form to request military service records for a person born before 1909.

We have different forms for:

Visit GOV.UK to request records for those born after 1939.

Military service records contain personal data, including medical information, so may be redacted. We treat each submitted form as a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, and we will release information from the record to you unless it is subject to an exemption.

If the record can be opened, any information we can provide will also become available at The National Archives to everyone.

Before filling in this form, search Discovery to see if the record is already in our catalogue.

How it works

Step 1: Fill in the form below with details of the individual whose record you are requesting. Include your own contact details.

Step 2: We will check if the record is held at The National Archives.

Step 3: You will receive a quote for the cost once our researchers have assessed your request and before you commit to a paid search.

The prices we charge are set out by the Fees Regulations under the Public Records Act (1958) and are based on recovering the costs of providing the services.

Step 4: Our team will contact you with the results of the search within 20 working days.

If we find a record of the individual(s) you have requested a search for, we will let you know:

  • what information we hold
  • what information can be provided to you and at what cost
  • and how you can access this information

In certain circumstances the review process may take longer and we will notify you of this, within the 20 working days.

Search details

Please provide us with information about the individual that you want us to search for. We will use this information to search our systems for the record.

This might start with 'APV' followed by a series of numbers.

Evidence of death (optional)

Suitable forms of evidence include an official or published obituary.

Maximum file size: 2MB. Files supported: .jpg, .png, .gif

Enter your details

Please provide your name and contact details so that we can send you the results of the search.

If so, provide your case reference number. This might start with 'CAS' or 'SPR' followed by a series of numbers.

Please choose how you would like to be contacted (email or post)

We will ask you to provide these details on the next page.

If possible, provide your email address so we can contact you. Post will take longer to handle.