Around ANZAC Day each year, the National Archives receives a surge in the number of people keen to obtain a copy of a relative’s war service record.

The Archives keeps the service records of those 1.3 million Australians who served in World War I and World War II. Service records usually contain enlistment details of soldiers, sailors, pilots and nurses. They follow the career of these men and women, detailing their postings, promotions and medical history.

If a relative saw action in Korea or Vietnam, then the Archives can also help families obtain copies of these service records.

The Archives collection includes the military service records of several famous Australians such as the poet Banjo Paterson, WW II hero Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop and WW I hero, John ‘Simpson’ Kirkpatrick, better known in the company of his donkey. The Archives also has the service records of former Australian Prime Ministers who served in the forces, namely Harold Holt, John Gorton, William McMahon and Gough Whitlam.

When requesting a copy of a WW I or WW II service record, applicants will need to provide the relative’s full name, service number (if known) and also whether the person served in the Australian Army, Navy or Air Force. The more information provided, the quicker it is to find, especially if the name is Smith or Jones! The easiest way to apply is to call up the National Archives website at www.naa.gov.au, click on Service Records on the homepage and follow the links to the online order form.

Requests for records usually take around 30 days to be despatched.

For those without Internet access, the National Archives has offices in each state and territory capital city where helpful staff will assist with requests. Alternatively enquiries may be made on 1300 886 881 during normal business hours after Anzac Day.