Case Nº 002 · example journey
The Missing Gunner
Three medals in a drawer, a name on no memorial, and a war story pieced together from a unit diary written in pencil a hundred years ago.
Record Nº 003 · from £349
Military Ancestors
Almost every British family has a serviceman or woman in living memory’s reach. I find the records of their service — where they went, what they faced, and what the medals in the drawer actually mean.
What I’ll research
- WW1 and WW2 service records, where they survive
- Unit war diaries — the day-by-day record of where they served
- Medal index cards, rolls and what each award signifies
- Royal Navy, RAF and Merchant Navy service histories
- Earlier conflicts: Boer War, Crimea, and Victorian garrison life
What you receive
- A narrative of their service you can read aloud at a family gathering
- Copies of every surviving record, explained in plain English
- Maps and context for the actions they were part of
- Guidance on medals, photographs and memorabilia you hold
From the casebook
Questions families ask
I’ve heard WW1 records were destroyed. Is it hopeless?
About 60% of WW1 army service records burned in the Blitz — but medal rolls, war diaries, pension records and casualty lists survive. A full picture is usually still possible; I’ll tell you honestly what the chances are first.
Can you research someone who served recently?
Records less than about 25 years old stay with the Ministry of Defence and are released only to next of kin. I can guide you through that application as part of a project.
What do I need to start?
A name and a rough date of birth is enough. A service number, regiment or photograph in uniform shortens the search considerably.