Free Military Records
- Leslie Ryan
- Nov 19
- 2 min read
More FREE MILITARY RECORDS for your research!
I'm preparing a brief history for Christmas to go with the new boxload of pictures I received from a downsizing family member (don't tell anyone!) and I remembered the World War One Military Censuses I found that shed light on their lives, that you would usually only find out about in a personal interview! Your family may have some of these as well!
This questionnaire asked all the usual questions you would expect about height, weight, and prior military experience, but the State of Connecticut also asked:
“Can you do any of the following:
Ride a horse?
Handle a team?
Drive an automobile?
Ride a motorcycle?
Understand telegraphy?
Operate a wireless?
Any experience with steam engines/electrical machinery/high speed Marine gasoline engines?
Handle a boat, power or sail?
Are you a good swimmer?"
This is the completed info for my granduncle Edward, who sadly, was killed in action in the Battle of the Ardenne just two weeks before the Armistice took effect.
Sadly, Connecticut also sent out a post service questionnaire to get your satisfaction rating, to deceased service members as well. My great grandmother completed one for her son, which is also found on Ancestry.
Several other states also conducted censuses and you can find some of these for free at FamilySearch.org or with your subscription to Ancestry. Additionally, this website has links for easy access to all of the available veterans' records to free or paid sites!
Don't forget that complete military histories for the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada going back to the Revolution can be found at Fold3.com
as part of your Ancestry bundle, or alone, with a SEVEN DAY FREE trial for either option. Fold3 will also let you go by the month for $7.95, or $79.95 for a year.
The World War One Museum in Kansas City, MO also has collections of records, for free at this site: https://www.theworldwar.org/that includes all kinds of information and exhibits such as the post card at the top of this page! Plus, they have a YouTube Channel!
We're ending this month with an ongoing THANK YOU to our veterans and current service members who defend "We the People," our Constitution, and our democratic republic so bravely!
If you would like help with your Family History just email for a FREE review of what you already know, and Military Families always get an additional discount on contracted work.
Thank you,
Leslie Ryan
No compensation is received for any referrals or links herein.
No copyright infringement is intended.
