War & migration
Polish military records in the UK: where families can start
A service number, army booklet or photograph can provide a starting point for a family history. Choose the record holder that fits the person’s service before making a broad archive request.
Updated
Polish forces under British command in the Second World War
Current GOV.UK guidance directs requests for these Polish service personnel records to the Ministry of Defence. Use the official deceased serviceperson route and its current instructions. Do not assume a general British Army date rule applies to the separate Polish forces category.
Prepare the full name, date of birth and service number if known. Information may be withheld or unavailable. The official page explains evidence of death, available information and how to apply; read it before ordering records.
The National Archives: context and catalogue records
The National Archives’ WO 315 series concerns Polish forces and the Polish Resettlement Corps. Catalogue entries can identify useful administrative or contextual material. A reference to a unit or resettlement scheme is different from an individual personnel file.
Search Discovery with the unit, original names and known dates. Note the collection reference, covering dates and access conditions. Confirm that a catalogue entry actually concerns your relative before requesting copies.
The Polish Institute and Sikorski Museum in London
The Institute provides an archive catalogue, family research information and research enquiry facilities. Use these to investigate collections relevant to the person, military unit or wartime route. Check its current archive access arrangements before planning a visit.
A short enquiry should explain whom you are researching, known dates and units, which records you already hold, and the specific information you hope to find. An archive enquiry is not a guarantee that an individual file survives.
A checklist before you write
- Original Polish name, spelling variants and any anglicised name.
- Birth date and place, noting uncertainty explicitly.
- Service number, unit, branch and approximate service period.
- Details from discharge papers, army booklets or resettlement records.
- The relationship to the person and any access evidence required by the archive.
Keep a log of requests and references. Send copies or details only through the archive’s stated channel; keep original family documents safe.
How does this help a citizenship enquiry?
Military records can help establish identity, chronology and a research trail. They must be read alongside the family and citizenship evidence. Neither Polish military service nor a British-command record, considered alone, decides whether citizenship passed to you. If foreign service or citizenship changes are relevant, their dates and legal circumstances need separate review.