British Military Records
The National Archives at Kew hold the primary collection of British military service records. Army records (WO 363 and WO 364) can be searched online, though many were destroyed in the 1940 London Blitz. Royal Navy and RAF records are generally more complete.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission database is freely accessible online and provides details of burial locations and memorials for those who died in service.
Soviet Military Records
The Russian Ministry of Defence maintains several online databases: OBD Memorial (obd-memorial.ru) contains records of Soviet casualties, while Podvig Naroda (podvignaroda.ru) lists awards and decorations. The Central Archive of the Ministry of Defence in Podolsk holds the most comprehensive records.
Allied and Commonwealth Records
For Indian Army veterans, the British Library holds the India Office Records. Polish military records can be found at the Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum in London. The International Tracing Service (now Arolsen Archives) holds records related to concentration camp victims and forced labourers.
Tips for Researchers
Start with what you know: names, approximate dates, and any military unit information. Family photographs can provide clues through uniform details and insignia. The Immortal Regiment UK community can also help — our volunteers have experience tracing records across multiple archives and can offer guidance.
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