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Course image British: Military Records
Intermediate Electives
BR-201: British: Military Records
Course Summary:

Optional Print Course Material: Research: Military Records

*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.

This course details the military system and records of the United Kingdom. People whose ancestors come from the four constituent parts will find relevant research resources. These parts have changed through time. At present, the United Kingdom consists of England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Prior to 1922, the whole of Ireland was part of the United Kingdom. Irish men served in the British army throughout its modern history from the end of the 18th century. Irish military records relating to its independence period (1916-1922) and the subsequent army records of the Irish Free State (later the Republic of Ireland) will be covered in a separate course.


Contact Hours: 18
Grading Scale: 70% Tests/30% Assignments
Course Length: 7


Course Content

Course Notes
MODULE 1
GENERAL MILITARY RECORDS
Module Notes
“British” Defined
IntroductionDefence Services
  • General Military Records
Army Organisation
  • Army Regiments
  • Army Ranks
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 1 Course Assignments

MODULE 2
ARMY HISTORY

Module Notes
Introduction

Army Records
  • Records of all Personnel
Module 2 Course Assignments


MODULE 3
ARMY HISTORY ... Continued
Module Notes
First World War Records
Records After World War I

Military Hospitals, Institutes & Schools
  • Hospitals
  • Institutes or Academies
  • Further Sources
ROYAL MARINES & MILITIA

Royal Marines

  • Duties of the Royal Marines
  • History of the Royal Marines
  • Royal Marines Records
Militia
  • History of the Militia
  • Militia Records
Module 3 Course Assignments

MODULE 4
EAST INDIA COMPANY & COLONIAL REGIMENTS
Module Notes
Introduction
History of the Honourable East India Company

Honourable East India Company Records
  • Records of Service in India
Colonial Regiments
Recommended Reading and Resources
Module 4 Course Assignments

MODULE 5
ROYAL AIR FORCE & ROYAL NAVY
Module Notes

Royal Air Force
  • History of the Royal Air Force
  • Royal Air Force Organisation
  • Royal Air Force Records
Royal Navy
  • History of Royal Navy
  • Organisation of Royal Navy
Module 5 Course Assignments

MODULE 6
ROYAL NAVY ... Continued
Module Notes

Royal Navy Records
  • Records of Royal Navy Ratings
  • Ships’ Musters
  • Records Useful for all Sailors
  • Miscellaneous Units
Bringing Your Navy Ancestors to Life
  • Naval Museums & Libraries
  • Societies
  • Other Naval Records
Module 6 Course Assignments

RECOMMENDED READING