Researching members of Australian armed forces
Where to begin
When researching individuals who served in the Australian armed forces, it is best to start by gathering any readily available information about them; for example, their full name, service number, and the unit in which they served.
To find this information, ask family members or investigate other local sources, and check the people database on the Memorial’s website www.awm.gov.au/people/roll-search/all
With these details in hand, you should be able to find a copy of the person’s personal service record, which will provide vital information for further research.
Personal service records
Personal service records are files created for individuals during their military service. Typically, a service record will include information about a person on enlistment, assignment to units, details of embarkations, promotions, medical treatment, official correspondence, and medal entitlements.
Copies of service records for Australian service members can be obtained from the National Archives of Australia (NAA). All Australian First World War service records can be viewed on the NAA website www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/index.aspx
Those who died while serving
The Roll of Honour records the names of servicemen and women who died while serving in war or on warlike operations, or in peacekeeping operations after 1945. www.awm.gov.au/research/people/roll_of_honour
Australians who died during active service, but who were not eligible for inclusion on the Roll of Honour, as they do not meet the criteria above or were not serving with Australian forces, are remembered on the Commemorative Roll www.awm.gov.au/research/people/commemorative_roll
Medals awarded
Details of Australians who received, or were recommended for, honours and awards can be found on the Memorial’s website www.awm.gov.au/research/people/honours_and_awards
Where to look for photographs
Images in the Memorial’s collection can be searched online www.awm.gov.au/advanced-search
Photographs can also be found through other museums, libraries, and archives:
- Trove www.trove.nla.gov.au/picture
- National Australian Archives www.naa.gov.au/collection/using/search
- State libraries and archives www.awm.gov.au/research/infosheets/addresses_aust.asp
Additional help
For any additional assistance, please contact the Research Centre 9 am – 5 pm on (02) 6243 4315 or see the information sheets available on the Memorial’s website www.awm.gov.au/research/infosheets
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