The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps the records of former members of our Armed Forces for administrative use after their discharge.

The Army Personnel Centre - Historical Disclosures Section has access to Army records dating back to the 1920s and can supply copies of documents to the next-of-kin of deceased former soldiers and officers.

Records of service prior to then, such as World War 1 records, are held at the National Archives (formerly Public Record Office), Kew.

There is not as much detail held on Army personal files as people think. Army files are paper-based records that follow the career of the individual and, in most cases, make little mention of theatres of operation or action seen.

Medals and awards are recorded but citations are never included. Only very rarely does a file contain a soldier's photograph, and photographs are not held in the Archive.

Some files contain more information than others and we have no way of knowing what any particular file holds until we have looked at it. Regimental War Diaries, which are held at the National Archives (see `Helpful Contact Addresses') may be of more use than Army personal files in providing an insight into an individual's war experience.

For the widow or widowers of former servicemen and women we can supply copies of service documents or confirmation of particular aspects of service from those records we hold. There is no charge for this service.

We can provide the same service for other members of the family or members of the public, subject to consent of the next of kin and the payment of a fee.

Historical Disclosures has access to the records of all Army personnel discharged from regular or reserve service between 1921 and 1997 except Officers and Soldiers of the Foot Guards Regiments. These records are held at the Regimental Headquarters in Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London, SW1E 6HQ.

If we do not hold records for the service in which you are interested, there is a list of addresses where you may be able to find help later on in this leaflet.

Information from Army personal files can be released to the next-of-kin of former Army personnel or to anyone who has written consent from the next-of-kin. We have a legal obligation regarding confidentiality under the Data Protection Act 1998 which is why we require proof of the death of the former serviceman. However, this requirement may be waived when the date of birth of the individual was more than 116 years ago.

We will not accept an enquiry unless there is a reasonable chance of locating the file in our archive. Ideally we need the full name, date of birth, Army number, regiment and year of discharge of the individual.

However, the size and age of the archive is such that in a small number of cases it will be impossible for us to find a file, even if we have been supplied with all the relevant information. If we have to inform you of this disappointing result you may be assured that every possible search has taken place. If a search is unsuccessful we are unable to refund payment.

Please note, if you do not know either the date of birth

Urgent welfare enquiries from organisations helping former service men and women are given priority over family interest enquiries. Paid enquiries are acknowledged immediately upon receipt. We endeavour to supply you with information as soon as possible, but a wait of several months would not be unusual.

There is no charge for the service provided by Historical Disclosures to widows or widowers asking about their late spouse's service.

Charges are made because in 1986 it was decided that the cost of answering non-official enquiries was an unfair charge to the taxpayer. Consequently, the only alternative to turning down such requests is to recover part of the costs of the tracing and researching activities involved in answering them. The cost is open to review annually.

Microfilm copies of World War One Service Records are also held by the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints (Mormons).