First World War Army Pension records go live

mean_genie · Post by **mean_genie** » Fri Jul 27, 2007 8:46 am

As of this morning, the remainder of WW1 Army Pension records, surnames C-Z, are online at http://www.ancestry.co.uk

These are the 'unburnt' documents in WO364. The 'burnt' documents in WO 363 will come later.

Good hunting!

Post by **Anne H** » Sat Jul 28, 2007 4:20 am

Hi mean_genie,

Thanks for letting us know about the pension records. It's taken me all day, but I eventually found records for my granddad, an uncle and a first cousin, twice removed. I also got a bonus of three birth dates for two uncles and an aunt that aren't yet online and found that my uncle had an adopted daughter...a long day, but very productive

Now, if I could just find some more

Thanks again

Regards,
Anne H

Post by **Pandabean** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 11:46 am

Thanks for bringing this up, I was wondering when the rest of the records would be online.

I have had a look for my Great Grandfather - Andrew Ross, who survived the Great War but had no luck. Although there is a possible John Ross from Falkirk but I am not sure if it is Andrew's brother and I dont fancy wasting some money for one result.

Unfortunately I have not been able to find anyone else yet.

Is there any ideas on when the burnt records will be coming online?

Also do these records include the full service record or are they just a sheet for pensions?

Post by **Anne H** » Sun Jul 29, 2007 8:28 pm

Hi Andy,

I can answer some of your questions…

I have had a look for my Great Grandfather - Andrew Ross, who survived the Great War but had no luck.

There are several records for the name of Andrew Ross …which ones did you check?

Although there is a possible John Ross from Falkirk but I am not sure if it is Andrew's brother and I dont fancy wasting some money for one result.

Does John happen to have a younger brother named Charles living in Falkirk who would have been his next of kin?

Unfortunately I have not been able to find anyone else yet.

So far, I’ve found four records but it’s extremely aggravating and frustrating trying to find them.

Is there any ideas on when the burnt records will be coming online?

Not sure…haven’t looked into it!

Also do these records include the full service record or are they just a sheet for pensions?

The records seem to vary with most that I’ve opened being anywhere from one page with scant info to six pages and only one record that actually mentions the amount of the pension awarded. Forms include:

1. Short Service Attestation (name, address, where born, age, occupation and a load of questions)
2. Statement of the Services (dates of where posted)
3. Military History Sheet (several questions including name and address of next of kin)
4. Description upon Enlistment (complete physical description including tattoos and religion)
5. Medical History (personal information, height, weight, etc.)
6. Application for Discharge (physical description and medical officer’s notes)

The information is a treasure trove, if you can find the records you’re looking for. The problem is that in many cases, as usual, Ancestry’s indexing leaves a lot to be desired. For instance, in many cases you have the full name, some with their service number, some with place of birth, some with nothing more than a surname which means that you have to open up each page of each record before you get an idea if it’s the right one…it could take weeks (maybe months) to get through all the John Ross records…it’s exhausting, but when you have no other way to get records then it’s Ancestry with all their faults and shortcomings to the rescue!

Regards,
Anne H