Findmypast

I've always found Ancestry invaluable for WW1 records (and for records a good deal earlier than this, for that matter), but it's worth pointing out that Findmypast is the only genealogical company which has the WO 97 series (British Army Pensions) and the final tranche of this series is due for release next month.

The WO 97 series is broken down as follows:

1760-1854 184,650 records, 1,003,794 images
1855-1872 96,434 records, 437,825 images
1873-1882 97,515 records, 540,423 images
1883-1900 312,921 records, 2,218,687 images
1901-1913 303,000 records, approx 2,100,000 images

Following hot on the heels of WO 97 will be another critical series, WO 96; half a million militia records going back as far as 1806 and comprised of nearly three and a half million images.

Unfortunately, records from the WO 97 series are not currently available as part of Find My Past's free trial, but the series is certainly one that should not be overlooked by those with ancestors who served in the regular British Army between 1760 and 1913.

Pictured above, James Goodson photographed in 1902 shortly after he joined the Royal Artillery. I interviewed him, aged 104, at the Royal Star and Garter Home in Richmond in the 1990s and when I get a chance, I'll post a transcript of that meeting on my WW1 veterans' blog.

I also offer a comprehensive, fast and cost-effective military history research service. Follow the link for more information.