Tracking down your military ancestors before the First World War can be complicated because records were not kept systematically – however, there are various sources available which can be enlightening given a little patience. Most of them are available at The National Archives at Kew, going back as far as 1660, and in some cases online. If you know someone’s regiment, research will be much easier.

The first distinction to note is between officers and the ordinary men. Officers’ service records were not kept until 1793, but Army Lists were published back to the 1740s – these can help you piece together an individual’s career through rank, unit and locations where they served. From 1839, Hart’s Army List has brief biographies of officers.

For the humble soldiery, The National Archives (TNA) has regimental muster rolls and pay lists from 1732 to 1898, and campaign medal and award rolls. TNA also has many pension and discharge papers originally held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. These can be very useful for family history, giving place of birth, next of kin and even personal descriptions. Indian Army service records are held at the British Library.

As for ordinary ratings in the Navy, TNA has pension records going back to 1789. Naval officers’ service records are available back to 1756.