10 November 2025
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November, and Remembrance Day, is the perfect time to research your military ancestors and find out what they did in the war. There are a range of resources available to you, including free record access, as our guide reveals.
Your free ‘Researching your First World War ancestors’ webinar
In this exclusive Family Tree webinar, Findmypast genealogist Jen Baldwin provides fascinating case studies of those who lived through the First World War, revealing how you can use the many military records available at Findmypast for your own family history research.
As Family Tree’s Helen Tovey explained:
"This presentation by Jen Baldwin really was so impressive. She even shared a set of research steps to help learn about the events in which an ancestor was wounded at the front - using a combo of war diaries, newspapers and more. Impressive research."
🎥 Watch the free videoClaim your free ‘Trace Your Military Ancestors’ guide, worth £20
We’re excited to share our brand-new guide, packed with practical, specialist advice to help you uncover the stories of relatives who served across the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, right up to the era of National Service.
You can buy the print edition from £12, or read the digital edition for free.
Free military records at Findmypast
To mark Remembrance Day, Findmypast have made a wide selection of their millions of military records freely available.
Meanwhile, Findmypast are calling on genealogists to work with them to help to create a single roll of honour to remember the volunteers who answered Kitchener's call to fight. See how you can help...
To view selected military records for free from 7–13 November, you simply need to sign up. Once signed up, log in during the free period and you’ll be able to access records that are normally part of a paid subscription.
🔍 Search FindmypastFree military records at Ancestry
Ancestry are offering free access to nearly 7 billion wartime records, including newly released World War 2 Service Files and Far East Prisoner of War portraits.
Among these records, you’ll find newly launched collections such as World War 2 Service Files from the Ministry of Defence and Far East Prisoner of War portraits—providing detailed insights into service, sacrifice, and resilience across the UK, Commonwealth, and beyond.
🔍 Visit Ancestry