that in order to successfully source the correct person, especially if they have a common name, you really need to know the service number of the individual.


Medal Rolls Index Cards can be accessed via Ancestry at www.ancestry.co.uk or via the DocumentsOnline section of the National Archives website at www.nationalarchives. gov.uk/records/medal-index-cards-ww1.htm Commonwealth War Graves Commission Founded in 1917, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission has the responsibility of ensuring that the sacrifi ces of the nearly 2 million people who died as a result of the First and Second World Wars will never be forgotten.


If you know or suspect that your military ancestor died during the First World War, there is a very good chance that his or her name will be found in the CWGC online database.


In


many cases you will discover the rank, service number, unit served in and date of death of the individual.


The online database can be accessed at http://www.cwgc.org


Building Historical Context


If you are able to achieve success in sourcing your ancestor in one of the above datasets, the search need not stop there!


There are


other sources which can help you uncover the stories behind your ancestor’s war service, including regimental histories and details of the particular battles and campaigns in which your ancestor’s unit was involved.


• Unit War Diaries All units which served during the First World War were required to compile a diary, which contained details of their movements and activities on each day of the confl ict.


In many cases they will provide eye-


If you


can discover the name of the unit with which your ancestor served, these diaries provide a great insight into the daily life of a serving soldier.


witness accounts of the battles in which the unit was engaged and in some cases even list the names of individual casualties.


Unit War Diaries are currently being digitised and some are available


via the


DocumentsOnline section of the National Archives website at www.nationalarchives. gov.uk/records/war-diaries-ww1.htm


• Regimental Histories In the years following the end of the First World War, many former offi cer compiled both offi cial and unoffi cial histories of their particular unit.


They often provide a great


deal of interesting insights into regimental life and the day to day experiences of the men who served.


It is often worthwhile conducting a search on the internet for any books linked to an ancestor’s unit during the First World War.


Steve McLeish is a Professional Genealogist and Historian who conducts genealogical research and ancestral tours for his clients. He is the owner of Scotia Roots Family & Military Research Services and can be contacted at scotiaroots@gmail.com


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