The Commemorative Roll was compiled from numerous source records, including service records of Allied countries, records of Merchant Navy personnel, official casualty lists, and various Commonwealth Government records. Substantial information for the Roll was obtained in the 1980s through media appeals to the public.

A small percentage of the Commemorative Roll records have digital images of Roll of Honour circulars attached. For the First World War the circulars were forms sent to next of kin seeking details regarding the deceased. For the Second World War these were forms completed by the Directorate of the War Graves Services. These circulars were filled in anticipation that the deceased would be eligible for the Roll of Honour. Where the deceased was not eligible for the Roll of Honour, but was eligible for the Commemorative Roll, the corresponding circular has been attached. Unfortunately circulars were not completed for each of the deceased.

The Commemorative Roll is based on the following archival series housed in the Research Centre.

Commemorative Roll card index

Series	Series Title
AWM272	Card Index supporting the Australian War Memorial Commemorative Roll, 1981–1990

Roll of Honour circulars

Series	Series Title
AWM108	Roll of Honour circulars, 1939–45 War
AWM131	Roll of Honour circulars, 1914–18 War
AWM283	Roll of Honour circulars, Japan and Korea