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Once you know the ship name[s] or the regiment name or number, the following records may help you trace your ancestor’s career, age, and birthplace:  
Once you know the ship name[s] or the regiment name or number, the following records may help you trace your ancestor’s career, age, and birthplace:  


'''Muster Rolls'''. "Muster Rolls and Pay Rates" were monthly accounts that were kept of military enlistment and pay schedules.&nbsp; They were kept for privates up through officers and may contain valuable information such as "good conduct" awards, punishments, special assignments, and the like.&nbsp; A commanding officer made every effort to list everyone on his muster rolls since the number of men determined his funding. The records usually list each person assigned to a ship or regiment at the muster date, his age on joining, the date he joined, the place where he joined, and sometimes information such as a dependent list (in later army musters) and birthplace (on sea musters from 1770). Muster records for the Royal Artillery are the earliest, beginning in 1708.&nbsp; Other army musters exist for 1760 to 1878. After 1790, they were kept in bound volumes.<u><ref>Hamilton-Edwards, Gerald (1977). In Search of Army Ancestry. Phillimore, p. 73.</ref></u>&nbsp; Navy musters cover 1667 to 1878. Naval musters contain "alphabets" (indexes organized by the first letter of the surname) from 1765.
==== '''Muster Rolls''' ====


'''Description Books'''. The army description book for each regiment includes each recruit’s full name on "attestation" (enlistment), age when he joined, place where he joined, birthplace, previous trade, and physical description. Most books start about 1805 and continue to 1850. Many no longer exist. Similar records were kept for each navy ship from 1790, but many were never turned in or no longer exist.  
"Muster Rolls and Pay Rates" were monthly accounts that were kept of military enlistment and pay schedules.&nbsp; They were kept for privates up through officers and may contain valuable information such as "good conduct" awards, punishments, special assignments, and the like.&nbsp; A commanding officer made every effort to list everyone on his muster rolls since the number of men determined his funding. The records usually list each person assigned to a ship or regiment at the muster date, his age on joining, the date he joined, the place where he joined, and sometimes information such as a dependent list (in later army musters) and birthplace (on sea musters from 1770). Muster records for the Royal Artillery are the earliest, beginning in 1708.&nbsp; Other army musters exist for 1760 to 1878. After 1790, they were kept in bound volumes.<u><ref>Hamilton-Edwards, Gerald (1977). In Search of Army Ancestry. Phillimore, p. 73.</ref></u>&nbsp; Navy musters cover 1667 to 1878. Naval musters contain "alphabets" (indexes organized by the first letter of the surname) from 1765.  


'''Returns of Service'''. In 1806 the War Office compiled the first return of service, listing all men in the army. The scope, content, and frequency of returns of service vary greatly. Returns of officers’ service tend to be more complete, including the names of the officer and his wife and children; birth and marriage dates and places; and a complete summary of stations, regiments, and promotions.  
==== '''Description Books'''  ====
 
The army description book for each regiment includes each recruit’s full name on "attestation" (enlistment), age when he joined, place where he joined, birthplace, previous trade, and physical description. Most books start about 1805 and continue to 1850. Many no longer exist. Similar records were kept for each navy ship from 1790, but many were never turned in or no longer exist.
 
==== '''Returns of Service''' ====
 
In 1806 the War Office compiled the first return of service, listing all men in the army. The scope, content, and frequency of returns of service vary greatly. Returns of officers’ service tend to be more complete, including the names of the officer and his wife and children; birth and marriage dates and places; and a complete summary of stations, regiments, and promotions.  


The returns of officers services for 1828 and 1829 have been transcribed and are found at the Family History Library. The following books serve as an index to the original returns of service for 1828 and 1829:  
The returns of officers services for 1828 and 1829 have been transcribed and are found at the Family History Library. The following books serve as an index to the original returns of service for 1828 and 1829:  
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Similar returns of naval officers begin in 1817. The naval returns are indexed at The National Archives (ADM 10). See [[England Archives and Libraries]] for the address.  
Similar returns of naval officers begin in 1817. The naval returns are indexed at The National Archives (ADM 10). See [[England Archives and Libraries]] for the address.  


'''Pay Records'''. Pay records include the following:  
==== '''Pay Records''' ====
 
Pay records include the following:  


*Pay lists give the name and rate of pay and sometimes ‘to whom paid’ (which may be a spouse or other relative). Navy pay lists were kept by ship and are not indexed. Active duty army personnel were paid from the muster rolls, and separate pay lists do not always exist.  
*Pay lists give the name and rate of pay and sometimes ‘to whom paid’ (which may be a spouse or other relative). Navy pay lists were kept by ship and are not indexed. Active duty army personnel were paid from the muster rolls, and separate pay lists do not always exist.  
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*Half-pay registers contain officers’ names, ranks, regiments, dates of first half-pay, rates of pay, and sometimes death dates.
*Half-pay registers contain officers’ names, ranks, regiments, dates of first half-pay, rates of pay, and sometimes death dates.


'''Ship Logs'''. Ship logs exist from 1673. While they usually give information only on position, weather, and sightings of other ships, records of shipboard events may include names of individual seamen.  
==== '''Ship Logs''' ====
 
Ship logs exist from 1673. While they usually give information only on position, weather, and sightings of other ships, records of shipboard events may include names of individual seamen.  
 
==== '''Continuous Service Engagement Books'''  ====
 
From 1853 navy ratings (seamen) were assigned continuous service numbers. The records gave name, birth date and place, description, and ship. Brief career details were later added. From 1872 until 1892 merchant seamen were included.
 
==== '''Registers of Service'''  ====


'''Continuous Service Engagement Books'''. From 1853 navy ratings (seamen) were assigned continuous service numbers. The records gave name, birth date and place, description, and ship. Brief career details were later added. From 1872 until 1892 merchant seamen were included.  
These records tell which ship a man served on. For officers these start in 1846. Those for warrant officers and seamen cover 1802 to 1871.  


'''Registers of Service'''. These records tell which ship a man served on. For officers these start in 1846. Those for warrant officers and seamen cover 1802 to 1871.
==== '''Soldiers’ Documents (WO 97)''' ====


'''Soldiers’ Documents (WO 97)'''. These records of army service are available only for those soldiers who were discharged to pension through Royal Hospital Chelsea near London. The records contain the reason for discharge and details on age, birthplace, and trade or occupation on enlistment. They are arranged by regiment, then alphabetically by surname for the years 1760 through 1872. The records for 1873 to 1882 are alphabetically arranged by corps (cavalry, foot soldiers, guards, and so forth). From 1883 to 1914, these records are arranged in one alphabetical series.  
These records of army service are available only for those soldiers who were discharged to pension through Royal Hospital Chelsea near London. The records contain the reason for discharge and details on age, birthplace, and trade or occupation on enlistment. They are arranged by regiment, then alphabetically by surname for the years 1760 through 1872. The records for 1873 to 1882 are alphabetically arranged by corps (cavalry, foot soldiers, guards, and so forth). From 1883 to 1914, these records are arranged in one alphabetical series.  


An index to the pension records is available in the [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/search.asp online catalogue] of the National Archives of the UK. You may enter the name of a soldier in the 'Word or phrase' field and the 'Department or series code' of WO (for War Office) 97.&nbsp; The records, arranged by regiment, are on microfilm at the [https://beta.familysearch.org/s/catalog/show?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fcatalog.familysearch.org%3A8080%2Fwww-catalogapi-webservice%2Fitem%2F161618&hash=HloWXpZgU9zB10k5M56iYku8TUc%253D Family History Library].&nbsp; A project is underway to digitize the records and make them available online through [http://www.findmypast.co.uk/home.jsp FindMyPast.com], by the end of 2011.  
An index to the pension records is available in the [http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/search.asp online catalogue] of the National Archives of the UK. You may enter the name of a soldier in the 'Word or phrase' field and the 'Department or series code' of WO (for War Office) 97.&nbsp; The records, arranged by regiment, are on microfilm at the [https://beta.familysearch.org/s/catalog/show?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fcatalog.familysearch.org%3A8080%2Fwww-catalogapi-webservice%2Fitem%2F161618&hash=HloWXpZgU9zB10k5M56iYku8TUc%253D Family History Library].&nbsp; A project is underway to digitize the records and make them available online through [http://www.findmypast.co.uk/home.jsp FindMyPast.com], by the end of 2011.  
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It was possible to have a qualified pension commuted to allow a soldier to immigrate to British colonies.&nbsp; A list of those who did, between the years 1830-1839, is found online at [http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/passengerlists/chelseab.htm TheShipsList.com].  
It was possible to have a qualified pension commuted to allow a soldier to immigrate to British colonies.&nbsp; A list of those who did, between the years 1830-1839, is found online at [http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/passengerlists/chelseab.htm TheShipsList.com].  


'''Chaplains’ Returns'''. Army chaplains throughout the British Empire kept records that list the baptisms, marriages, and burials of officers, soldiers, and their families. These returns (from 1760 to 1971) are indexed and are available by correspondence from the Office of National Statistics (formerly Registrar General). Indexes for [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=731507&disp=Index+to+certified+copies+of+registers+o%20%20&columns=*,0,0 births 1796–1880], for [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=732266&disp=Index+to+certified+copies+of+registers+o%20%20&columns=*,0,0 marriages 1796–1955], and for [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=720239&disp=Index+to+certified+copies+of+deaths+%28o%20%20&columns=*,0,0 deaths 1786–1880], are available on microfiche at the Family History Library.  
==== '''Chaplains’ Returns''' ====
 
Army chaplains throughout the British Empire kept records that list the baptisms, marriages, and burials of officers, soldiers, and their families. These returns (from 1760 to 1971) are indexed and are available by correspondence from the Office of National Statistics (formerly Registrar General). Indexes for [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=731507&disp=Index+to+certified+copies+of+registers+o%20%20&columns=*,0,0 births 1796–1880], for [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=732266&disp=Index+to+certified+copies+of+registers+o%20%20&columns=*,0,0 marriages 1796–1955], and for [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=720239&disp=Index+to+certified+copies+of+deaths+%28o%20%20&columns=*,0,0 deaths 1786–1880], are available on microfiche at the Family History Library.  
 
==== '''Regimental Registers'''  ====


'''Regimental Registers.''' Regiments kept birth, marriage, and death records for officers and men. Births and baptisms are indexed. These records (1790–1924) are available by correspondence from the Office of National Statistics (formerly Registrar General). The indexes are available on microfiche at the [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=732111&disp=Index+to+entries+in+the+army+regimental+%20%20&columns=*,0,0 Family History Library].  
Regiments kept birth, marriage, and death records for officers and men. Births and baptisms are indexed. These records (1790–1924) are available by correspondence from the Office of National Statistics (formerly Registrar General). The indexes are available on microfiche at the [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titledetails&titleno=732111&disp=Index+to+entries+in+the+army+regimental+%20%20&columns=*,0,0 Family History Library].  


'''Lists of Officers'''. Published annually, these records give an officer’s name, rank, regiment or ship, and date of commission. See:  
==== '''Lists of Officers''' ====
 
Published annually, these records give an officer’s name, rank, regiment or ship, and date of commission. See:  


*''Army List''. London, England: publishers and title vary, 1754–. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+M25 942 M25]; films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&filmno=856427 856427]–452 and others.) First published in 1740, these lists have been published continuously since 1754 and are indexed beginning in 1766. They list army officers and are arranged by regiment. Half-pay (semi-retired) officers were not included in the early indexes.  
*''Army List''. London, England: publishers and title vary, 1754–. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+M25 942 M25]; films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&filmno=856427 856427]–452 and others.) First published in 1740, these lists have been published continuously since 1754 and are indexed beginning in 1766. They list army officers and are arranged by regiment. Half-pay (semi-retired) officers were not included in the early indexes.  
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*''Navy List''. London, England: several publishers, 1782–. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+M25gba 942 M25gba]; films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&filmno=918928 918928]–940, [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&filmno=990323 990323]–326.) The Navy List names all commissioned officers, including masters, pursers, surgeons, chaplains, yard officers, coast guardsmen, and reservists.
*''Navy List''. London, England: several publishers, 1782–. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+M25gba 942 M25gba]; films [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&filmno=918928 918928]–940, [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=filmhitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&filmno=990323 990323]–326.) The Navy List names all commissioned officers, including masters, pursers, surgeons, chaplains, yard officers, coast guardsmen, and reservists.


[[Image:British Military3.jpg|thumb|right|208x243px]]'''Militia Lists and Musters'''. Militia lists (beginning as early as 1297) contain the names of men eligible for military service. Militia musters are lists of men in the militia. Early militia lists and most militia musters contain only the men’s names. A brief explanation of musters and the location of available pre-1757 lists are given in:
==== [[Image:British Military3.jpg|thumb|right|208x243px]]'''Militia Lists and Musters''' ====


Gibson, Jeremy, and Alan Dell. ''Tudor and Stuart Muster Rolls.'' Solihull, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Ltd., 1989. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+M2gj 942 M2gj])  
Militia lists (beginning as early as 1297) contain the names of men eligible for military service. Militia musters are lists of men in the militia. Early militia lists and most militia musters contain only the men’s names. A brief explanation of musters and the location of available pre-1757 lists are given in:
 
*Gibson, Jeremy, and Alan Dell. ''Tudor and Stuart Muster Rolls.'' Solihull, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Ltd., 1989. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+M2gj 942 M2gj])


Militia units were generally raised on a county basis and kept their own records. From 1757 to 1876, lists of men ages 18 to 55 were compiled by individual parishes and turned in to the shire (county) lieutenant. These lists usually contain each man’s name, parish of residence, age, fitness for service, and sometimes cause for exemption (such as a man with more than two young children, a disability, or an exempt occupation).  
Militia units were generally raised on a county basis and kept their own records. From 1757 to 1876, lists of men ages 18 to 55 were compiled by individual parishes and turned in to the shire (county) lieutenant. These lists usually contain each man’s name, parish of residence, age, fitness for service, and sometimes cause for exemption (such as a man with more than two young children, a disability, or an exempt occupation).  
A project is underway to digitize Militia Attestation (enlistment) papers for 1806-1915 (WO 96), and make them available online through [http://www.findmypast.co.uk/home.jsp FindMyPast.com], by the end of 2011.


For further information on militia lists and musters, see:  
For further information on militia lists and musters, see:  


Medlycott, Mervyn, and Jeremy Gibson. ''Militia Lists and Musters, 1757–1876''. 3rd Editor. Solihull, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Ltd., 1994. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+M2gj 942 M2gmm].)  
*Medlycott, Mervyn, and Jeremy Gibson. ''Militia Lists and Musters, 1757–1876''. 3rd Editor. Solihull, England: Federation of Family History Societies Publications, Ltd., 1994. (Family History Library book [http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library/fhlcatalog/supermainframeset.asp?display=titlehitlist&columns=*%2C0%2C0&callno=942+M2gj 942 M2gmm].)
 
==== '''Other Records'''  ====


'''Other Records'''. Many other records are available, such as records on medals, casualties, promotions, desertion, and court martials. The following military branches have separate records:  
Many other records are available, such as records on medals, casualties, promotions, desertion, and court martials. The following military branches have separate records:  


*Fencibles were army units raised for home service only. Fencibles were usually classed with the militia, and records are kept with militia records.  
*Fencibles were army units raised for home service only. Fencibles were usually classed with the militia, and records are kept with militia records.  
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