The essential guide to Findmypast's Royal Air Force Records
2-3 minute read
By The Findmypast Team | July 2, 2024
If your ancestor took to the skies as part of the Royal Air Force, this is a must-read.
The RAF records on Findmypast often include both the military details of an airman's service, and also vital clues to further your family tree, such as information about next of kin.
Find your heroic ancestors
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Here's a look at the records that you can use to find your airman ancestor.
British Royal Air Force, Airmen's Service Records 1912-1939
Before the formation of the RAF in 1918, the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service were the air arms of the British Armed Forces. If your ancestor served in the years leading up to or during World War 1, they could be included in this collection. It contains over 340,000 records, stretches right up to the start of the Second World War and includes men born in over 30 countries.
The RAF Airmen Service Record of Charles Frederick Abbott, showing occupation, marriage details and next of kin as well as physical description.
As well as service number, rank and military training, your ancestor's service record could also contain more personal details, such as birthplace, occupation and marriage dates, making them a real goldmine if you've hit a brick wall with your research.
British Women's Royal Air Force Service Records 1918-1920
This is an index of 31,090 Women's RAF service records held by The National Archives. Each record includes a link to view the original image on TNA's website.
The record of Ethel Maud Andrew, an "Exceptional" member of the Force and of "Excellent" character.
The WRAF was created at the same time as the RAF in 1918. Members were employed to learn technical skills to help bolster production lines. They also worked as clerks, as this record for Ethel Maud Andrew shows. During her time in the WRAF, Ethel was described as an "Exceptional" member of "Excellent" character.
British Royal Air Force, Gallantry Awards 1914-1919
RAF airmen who were awarded for their valour will appear in this index. As well as their rank and service number, your ancestor's Gallantry Award entry will include the date their award was published in the London Gazette, setting you off on a paper trail of new leads.
British Royal Air Force, Officers' Service Records 1912-1920
This record set contains records of over 100,000 RAF officers who served during before, during and after WW1. These records contain similar information to the airmen's service records, as well as details of their military service, and extra information such as next of kin, which could prove very handy for your family tree.
The record of W.E. Johns, the creator of Biggles.
U.S. Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner makes an appearance in these records, as does W.E. Johns, who would later go on to create the fictional flying ace, Biggles.
Royal Air Force Muster Roll 1918
The Muster Roll is a more basic set than the others on this list, but contains over 181,000 records that offer you your ancestor's name, service number and rank when they were serving in the RAF in April 1918.
There are usually abbreviations in the "Terms of enlistment column" they are:
Newspapers
You can delve into a range of dedicated military newspapers at Findmypast including: Illustrated War News, Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry )) and more. Plus, don't forget, local and regional newspapers often ran photos and stories of the men and women at war from their community. Be sure to check these to see if you can find your ancestor.
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