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
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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
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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.