Destroyed WW1 Service records

[PeteSwayne]

Would missing records explain why none of my relatives show up in a search? I have 3 known relatives that were involved in WW1 and have pictures but nothing comes up about them.

[Peter Goodey]

Have you followed the advice in the research guide?

The medal index cards are the nearest thing to a nominal roll of soldiers and are a good place to start.

If you're not talking about the army, other considerations apply.

[Pam Downes]

Would missing records explain why none of my relatives show up in a search? I have 3 known relatives that were involved in WW1 and have pictures but nothing comes up about them.

Hello Pete,

Welcome to British-Genealogy.

Where have you been searching for your relatives? I suspect that you may have been searching on Forces War Records, and if so, you need to read this to explain who BG are and what we do.

FWR do not hold any service records - the less than 40% of WW1 ones that survive can be found on Ancestry and Findmypast (as well as at The National Archives).
FWR hold specific records. A list of which can be found here.

Peter has given you excellent advice re reading the research guide.

If you'd like to give us some details such as names, ages, place of birth, etc, people can have a look and see if they can find information about your relatives. Did they survive the war?

Pam