Chelsea Pensioners' records and Militia Attestation Papers to go online
Royal Hospital Chelsea: Soldiers' Service documents and War Office: Militia Attestation Papers to go online
01 October 2008
The National Archives is working with findmypast.com to scan and place online two important series of records: WO 97 (Royal Hospital Chelsea: Soldiers' Service Documents 1760-1913) and WO 96 (War Office: Militia Attestation Papers 1806-1915). The aim is to have all the records online by 2011.
For the first time these fascinating series will be fully searchable by name, further opening up what are already well-used resources at The National Archives, and giving easy access over the internet.
Scanning of the records
Readers should note that it will not be possible to access records while they are being scanned. Please consult the table below to check that the pieces you need are not affected before you travel.
We will make sure that this schedule is kept up to date and that the number of unavailable pieces is kept to a minimum.
Scanning has started with the WO 97 series. Scanning of the WO 96 series is not due to start until May 2010; all WO 96 records will remain fully accessible until then.
| Series WO 97 | Records unavailable (anticipated dates) | |
|---|---|---|
| Piece numbers | From | To |
| 1 - 3425 | Not affected | |
| 3426 – 3485 | 31 August 2009 | 25 September 2009 |
| 3486 – 3545 | 07 September 2009 | 02 October 2009 |
| 3546 – 3605 | 14 September 2009 | 09 October 2009 |
| 3606 – 3665 | 21 September 2009 | 16 October 2009 |
| 3666 – 3725 | 28 September 2009 | 23 October 2009 |
| 3726 – 3785 | 05 October 2009 | 30 October 2009 |
| 3786 – 3845 | 12 October 2009 | 06 November 2009 |
| 3846 – 3905 | 19 October 2009 | 13 November 2009 |
| 3906 – 3965 | 26 October 2009 | 20 November 2009 |
| 3966 – 4025 | 02 November 2009 | 27 November 2009 |
| 4026 – 4085 | 09 November 2009 | 04 December 2009 |
| 4086 – 4145 | 16 November 2009 | 11 December 2009 |
| 4146 – 4205 | 23 November 2009 | 18 December 2009 |
| 4206 – 4265 | 30 November 2009 | 25 December 2009 |
| 4266 – 4325 | 07 December 2009 | 01 January 2010 |
| 4326 – 4385 | 14 December 2009 | 08 January 2010 |
All other pieces are available as usual.
Last updated 30 September 2009
