OTHER SOURCES OF ARCHIVEAL AND HISTORICAL AND INFORMATION
This page will direct you to areas outside the control of the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment, where you might be able to find information not contained within this site. It is recommended that you write to them, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope, with as much information as possible. As the organisations are likely to be busy, it is often easier for them to deal with written requests for information, rather than to attempt to answer queries over the telephone, and, of course, you are likely to get a more considered reply.
The National Archives
www.nationalarchives.gov.uk (includes on-line catalogue PROCAT)
www.documentsonline.pro.gov.uk (WW1 Medal Cards)
www.census.pro.gov.uk (1901 UK Census)
It is often worth contacting the National Archives in advance of a visit to see what information they may have available – also their catalogue PROCAT is available on-line. From March 2004, WW1 medal index cards will begin appear on-line under documents online .
Army Personnel Centre
Historic Disclosures, Mailpoint 400
Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow G2 8EX
The Army Personnel Centre in Glasgow handles enquiries about soldiers who were discharged from the Army after 1919. A fee is charged (about £25) for each search, even if no material is discovered. A special form has to be completed prior to the search. It is essential that you quote the Regiment and personal number of the soldier concerned. (Note this information is engraved on the medals of WW1 soldiers).
Most surviving WW1 soldiers' records have been moved to the Public Record Office at Kew. However, bombing during the Second World War destroyed more than two-thirds of those records covering the period 1914-1920. If you looking for a WW1 soldier, it is best to start at Kew with a Medal Card search. If your relative claimed a war disability pension, it is likely that the papers have been removed and filed either with PIN71 series of records in the PRO or held at the Veterans Agency, Tomlinson House, Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3WP
telephone: 01253 866043 (helpline)
web: www.veteransagency.mod.uk
email: help@veteransagency.mod.uk
Service Records
Service records are archived at the MOD establishments www.veteransagency.mod.uk/servicerecs/servrecs.htm
Army Medal Office (AMO)
Block A Government Buildings,
Worcester Road, Droitwich, Worcestershire WR99 3AU
The AMO handles the issue and replacement of medals. For WW2 medals, which have never been claimed, it will be necessary to first obtain an official record of service from the Army Personnel Centre before applying. For replacement medals, proof of loss (i.e. police report or insurance claim) is essential and claimants may be required to pay the full cost of replacements.
Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)
Enquiries Section, 2 Marlow Road,
Maidenhead, Berkshire SL6 7DX
telephone: 01628 634221 ask for register enquiries
facsimile: 01628 771208
web: www.cwgc.org
The CWGC provides information on the location of graves and official memorials around the world. As much as possible of the following information is required: Surname, rank, forenames, personal number, unit/service detail, date of death, age, home town, and place of death. For those enquirers compiling family history, the CWGC are often able to verify a soldier's next of kin details. The CWGC are able to answer straight forward enquiries over the telephone. Alternatively, the CWGC Register is now available continuously over the Internet.
Public Record Office
Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU
telephone: 0208 876 3444
web: www.pro.gov.uk
PRO shop:
telephone: 0208 392 5271
facsimile: 0208 392 5266
email orders: bookshop@pro.gov.uk
The PRO is open to the public and houses substantial records of officers and soldiers who served in the British Army. Details such as enlistment, movements, gallantry award citations, discharge and date of death can sometimes be traced. Medal rolls and individual WW1 medal cards are also held here. It is often worth contacting the PRO in advance of a visit to see what information they may have available. If you are unable to visit in person, they can supply a list of reliable researchers who will, on payment, undertake searches on your behalf (PRO staff are not to able undertake searches for you). There is free car parking at Kew and a reader's ticket is issued, on proof of identity, on your first visit. The following PRO Reader's Guides are recommended reading before you start any research:
No.2 'Army Records for Family Historians'
No. 19 'Army Service Records of the First World War'
For list of Independent Researchers, click on 'Home page' of www.pro.gov.uk, then click on 'Start your research', Select 'Independent Researchers'. Select 'Army - Genealogy and Biography Records'.
National Army Museum (NAM)
Royal Hospital Road, Chelsea, London SW3 4HT
telephone: 0207 730 0717 extension 2222
facsimile: 0207 823 6573
web: www.national-army-museum.ac.uk
email: info@national-army-museum.ac.uk
NAM holds general records of the British Army and covers the history of the army from the year 1485 to the present day. If you require access to the Reading Room, you must obtain a reader's ticket prior to your visit.
Imperial War Museum (IWM)
Lambeth Road, London SE1 6HZ
telephone: 0207 416 5320 (helpdesk)
facsimile: 0207 416 5374
telephone: 0207 416 5313 (education)
telephone: 0207 416 5397 (group visits)
web: www.iwm.org.uk
email: mail@iwm.org.uk
IWM holds material relating to all British military Campaigns since 1914.
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| Whilst every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of this information, personnel must confirm details through the chain of command or with their Administrative Office before taking any action or making any commitment. |
Last Reviewed: 23 Jun 04 | | | 
