Researching an ancestor who served in the armed forces during the Napoleonic wars can be a very big challenge and we are often contacted to ask for where to look for any surviving records.  Whilst we can understand the frustration in finding a family member can be exhausting work, we do not have a dedicated team to find the records for you but hopefully the following links will help you on your quest.  We are always pleased to hear what you find and any distinguishing bits of things that you find and you never know we may even publish your research on our website for you to share with the world.

Military service and pension records

If your ancestor was in the army during the Napoleonic Wars, you should look for his service or pension records. These are stored at The National Archives, and contain details of where the soldier was born, his age at enlistment, and discharge information.

For further information on service and pension records:
* http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=14
* http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=15

To search TNA’s Catalogue by name:
* http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/

Separate records exist for officers.

For further information:
* http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=13
* http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=144

Limited pension and service material survives for naval ratings, warrant officers and commissioned officers. These records are stored at The National Archives.

For further information:
* http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=39
* http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=41
* http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=43
* http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/RdLeaflet.asp?sLeafletID=287