Find your ancestors in The War Office List

What can these records tell me?

Explore this collection of war office lists from 1866 to 1921 and uncover more about your ancestor’s military career. The details you can reveal will vary depending on the sections you explore. The War Office Lists was an administrative directory compiled by the War Office Council. Amongst the pages you will find:

  • Officer Listings: They included names, ranks, and regiments of British Army officers.
  • Service Information: Some editions provided details on postings, promotions, retirements, and appointments.
  • Regimental Details: They outlined the organization of different regiments and corps.
  • Government & Administrative Notices: Certain editions included official government announcements related to the army.
  • Colonial and Indian Army: Some issues covered officers serving in the British Indian Army and colonial forces.

Discover more about these records

Did you ever want to learn more about the regiment that your ancestors served with or understand the details about the army governance? The War Office Lists can reveal much more about your ancestor’s military career. It provides incredible context for each year that your ancestor was serving.

The War Office Lists were official publications issued by the British War Office, primarily from the 19th century to the mid-20th century. They contained details about officers serving in the British Army, including regular forces, reserve forces, and sometimes colonial and Indian forces. These lists were an essential reference for military personnel records and administration.

The volumes of War Office Lists were digitised in partnership with the London Library. A volume for every year was not available, but we have digitised the following editions:

  • The War Office List 1866
  • The War Office List 1867
  • The War Office List 1868
  • The War Office List 1901
  • The War Office List 1902
  • The War Office List 1903
  • The War Office List 1905
  • The War Office List 1917
  • The War Office List 1918
  • The War Office List 1919
  • The War Office List 1921