Spain, Soldier Personal Service Files - FamilySearch Historical Records

Spain

Collection Contents
These are military records for all soldiers enlisted in the army of Spain and its territories.

Additional indexed records will be published as they become available.

What is in this Collection?
The military history of Spain, from the period of the Carthaginian war over the Phoenicians to the most current conflict the Afghan War. Spans a period of more than 2200 years, and includes the history of battles fought in the territory of modern Spain, as well as her former and current overseas possessions and territories.

Image Visibility
Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes records available for all users. However, ultimate rights to view records on our website are granted by the record custodians. Spain, Soldier Personal Service Files collection is available to the Family History Library, FamilySearch Centers, and to members of the supporting organization, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The images can be viewed at a FamilySearch Center near you.

How Do I Search This Collection?
Look at each image or record comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine if the image relates to them. You may need to look at several records and compare the information about the individuals listed to your ancestors to make this determination. Keep in mind there may be more than one person in the records with the same name and you will want to look carefully at dates, places and relations to identify your ancestor from another person. You also may not be sure of your own ancestor’s name if they were known by a nickname or changed their name from the original birth record name. Your ancestor may have used different names or variations of their name throughout their life and may be listed in records with any of those variations.

Search by Name by visiting the Collection Page

Fill in the requested information in the boxes on the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches.

What Do I Do Next?
Once you have located your ancestor’s record, carefully evaluate each piece of information given. These records are often brief so it can be easy to confuse individuals. Compare what information is given with what you already know about your ancestor to make sure it is the correct person. Next, record any new information about your ancestor found in the record, such as dates, places, event, occupation, immigration year, other relatives. You should also look for leads to other records about your ancestors. For example:


 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have been born, married or died nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify. Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual.


 * Use the event date and ages of ancestors to search for original birth, marriage, or death records in the county of the event. These records may have the maiden name of the mother, verify parents, and provide more clues to this family.


 * Church Records often were kept years before government records were required and are a good source for finding ancestors before 1900. If the officiator of a marriage or death was a minister, you may be able to determine to which religion or congregation your ancestor belonged. Look for church records of the birth, marriage, or death which may provide more information on the family.

Citing this Collection
Citing your sources makes it easy for others to find and evaluate the records you used. When you copy information from a record, list where you found that information. Here you can find citations already created for the entire collection and for each individual record or image.

Collection Citation:

Record Citation (or citation for the index entry):