Source Information
War Office: Campaign Medal and Award Rolls 1793-1949 (General Series). The National Archives microfilm publication WO 100. The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey, England.
The National Archives give no warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or fitness for the purpose of the information provided. Images may be used only for purposes of research, private study or education. Applications for any other use should be made to The National Archives Image Library, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 4DU, Tel: 020 8392 5225. Fax: 020 8392 5266.
About UK, Military Campaign Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1949
This database contains lists of more than 2.3 million officers, enlisted personnel and other individuals entitled to medals and awards commemorating their service in campaigns and battles for the British Army between 1793 and 1949. The original medal rolls were compiled by the War Office and are housed at the National Archives of the UK in Kew, Surrey. The rolls include medals awarded for British campaigns in Europe, India, Egypt, Sudan, South Africa, West and Central Africa, China, the Middle East, and elsewhere during the height of the British Empire.
Using the Records
While medal rolls do not provide very detailed information, the records can include the name, date, and location of a campaign or service, the soldier’s name, and the regiment or unit name and regimental number. Most rolls were arranged by campaign (or battle), then regiment, rank and surname.
The records in this collection can be searched by name, campaign, service location and date, and regimental number. Volumes may also be browsed by region, campaign, and regiment or unit.
About the Medals
Medals were instituted by the British Army in the early 19th century for officers and other ranks for participating in a military campaign, and clasps indicated service in a particular battle. The Waterloo Medal of 1815 was the first campaign medal issued and was awarded to men who took place in the battle (or their next of kin).
Lists were submitted by regiment or unit for persons entitled to receive certain medals or clasps. There are three types of medals in this collection: for campaigns (or battles), for good conduct (or long service) and for gallantry.
