Information sheets

Personal service records

Records of service in Australian forces

Information needed to apply
South African War (Boer War), 1899–1902
First World War, 1914–18
Second World War, 1939–45
Post–Second World War conflicts
Merchant Navy

Copies of personal service records can be requested via the National Archives of Australia's (NAA) RecordSearch database. Locate the details of the service record by searching the database using the individual's name and service number, and follow the grey request buttons.

If you are having difficulty understanding abbreviations used in the service record, consult our Glossary for assistance.

Information needed to apply

To obtain a personal service record, the individual’s full name is required. Please also supply as much as you know of the following:

  • name of service
  • service number and/or rank
  • unit/s served
  • place enlisted
  • place and date of birth
  • next of kin at time of service

South African War (Boer War), 1899–1902

The Boer War Nominal Roll lists the names of many of those who served in Australian units.

The Boer War was fought between 1899 and 1902 and spans the pre- and post-Federation period. Therefore, records may be held by state government archives or by the National Archives of Australia. As a general guide, the colonial period records are held in state government archives, and post-Federation records are held by NAA, although there may be exceptions to this.

First World War, 1914–18

First World War service records are held by NAA. For information regarding viewing or obtaining copies of these records please visit the National Archives Service Records page.

If a soldier saw service in both the First and the Second World Wars, the record has usually been amalgamated in the Second World War service record.

Second World War, 1939–45

Second World War service records are held by NAA. For information regarding viewing or obtaining copies of these records please visit the National Archives Service Records page.

Post–Second World War conflicts

You can apply for post–Second World War service records through the National Archives.

Merchant Navy

Merchant Navy Record of Service cards for people who served on Australian merchant vessels are held on microfilm in the NAA Canberra office. The cards are arranged by family name and give some personal information, the name of ships, and dates of service.

Please contact:

National Archives of Australia
PO Box 7425
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610

Phone: 1300 886 881
Fax: 1300 886 882
Email: ref@naa.gov.au