United Kingdom, Royal Air Force Service Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Great Britain

What Is in This Collection?
This collection contains service records of airmen in the Royal Air Force from 1912-1939. It was originally filmed at the National Archives of England under archive reference AIR 79. The index was created by FindMyPast.com.

Image Visibility
Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images of digitized records available for all users. However, the rights to view images on this website are ultimately granted by the record custodians. Due to their restrictions, the images in this collection are not available for general viewing, but may be accessed at a Family History Center near you, at the Family History Library, or online by members of the supporting organization(s).

What Can these Records Tell Me?
Military Service Records may contain the following information:
 * Name of airman
 * Age at attestation (enlistment)
 * Date of attestation
 * Birth date and place
 * Occupation
 * Marriage date
 * Spouse’s name
 * Children’s names and birthdates
 * Information of closest living relative
 * Religious denomination

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before beginning a search in these records, it is best to know the full name of the individual in question, as well as an approximate time range for the desired record.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Make sure to fully transcribe and cite the record entry for future reference. See below for assistance in citing this collection. Save or print a copy of the image if possible.
 * Use the information which has been discovered to find more. For instance, use the age given the personal file to estimate a year of birth, if that is yet undetermined.
 * If in the appropriate period, use the information which has been discovered to find the individual in other records. Particularly useful for research in nineteenth-century England are Church Records, the England Census, and Civil Registration records.

I Can’t Find the Person I’m Looking for, What Now?

 * If your ancestor does not have a common name, collect entries for every person who has the same surname. This can help you find possible relatives.
 * Check for other names. An individual might appear under an unexpected name for a variety of reasons. A woman may have returned to her maiden name after the death of her husband.

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England
 * Scotland Guided Research, Ireland Guided Research, England Guided Research
 * Scotland Record Finder, Ireland Record Finder, Wales Record Finder England Record Finder
 * Scotland Research Tips and Strategies, Ireland Research Tips and Strategies, Wales Research Tips and Strategies, England Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.