World War One Research

Facts uncovered and mysteries solved

What Can I Do?

I can provide copies of surviving Service records, both for Officers and Other Ranks, along with Medal entitlement details and the Regiment and the Battalion a man served with, if these records are identifiable to a specific man.

If a man was awarded a Gallantry medal, I can also supply further details of that.

To enhance these personal records, I can also provide copies of War Diaries, in the case of the Army or Operation Records Books in the case of the RAF. Both would provide a day-by- day account of where the man’s Battalion or Squadron was serving and what they were involved in, which will really give a picture of what your ancestor experienced.

I can also investigate whether a man was a Prisoner of War and supply copies of those records.

As part of any of this research, I am also able to search a variety of contemporary local newspapers for further information on a man and his service.

I can also research Military Nurses.

All of the above research can be carried out on an individual man, or, for a number of men, for example researching all men on a War Memorial.

Please contact me if you would like me to research any of the above.

Testimonials

Ann Swabey’s assistance in conducting the research for my website www.riverheadpc.kentparishes.gov.uk was invaluable. She was able to access material quickly and efficiently saving me considerable time and money. I highly recommend her to anyone conducting research into the past.

Martin Arnold War Memorial Researcher UK

Ann Swabey has been recommended by the Museum of the Mercian Regiment (Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Collection) for many years now. Ann is quick, efficient and always manages to find information when all hope seems lost. Here at the Museum, we receive much praise for Ann’s work and have never had one complaint. Ann Swabey is highly recommended for all your research needs!

Jennifer Brookman Assistant Curator & Archivist, Museum of the Mercian Regiment (WFR Collection)

I first contacted Ann Swabey in May 2015 when I wanted to find out the First World War Military records of five Great Uncles (all Brothers) especially one who was in the R.F.C. in 1918 even though he was only aged 18. The speed of Ann's response, and the quality of the information found encouraged me ask for her help in solving a puzzle I had been working on for some time without success. The 1851 Census showed a "Duggy" Smith, aged 3, born in Romford, (Brother of my 2x Great Grandfather) but I could find no trace of him. Given just that information, and the names of Duggy's parents, Ann came back to me in four days to say she had found him - his name was Ebenezer Norville! I told her at the time that I thought she was brilliant to have solved the mystery, and once again the amount and quality of the information she posted to me was everything I could ask for. I will certainly be contacting Ann with more of my family history queries, although I will not expect her to be able to answer all my queries as some of the information may be impossible to find even though the surname will not be Smith this time. If the answers are there though, I am sure Ann will do her very best to find them.

Suzanne Smith Client - UK

Ann has carried out research on both my grandfather's WWI records, & most recently my family history going back to the early 1800's.
She provides a quick & efficient service for those who do not wish to spend hours doing it themselves! Various routes of research are discussed, & her work gives good value for money.

Tim Harrison Client - UK

Among the acknowledgements in our book is one to Ann Swabey. Ann sought out relevant information on dead soldiers and sailors, which was only accessible at the National Archives. Without her help it would have been an expensive and time-consuming process travelling from Nottingham down to London in order to search through the material ourselves. I would heartily commend her research services to anyone who has need of them.

Stephen Zaleski Editor of Lenton Times, Nottingham

Ann Swabey has been the Worcestershire and The Sherwood Foresters Museum (The Sherwood Foresters Collection) recommended researcher for a number of years.

She has tirelessly carried out research for hundreds of families of former serving members of The Sherwood Foresters and their forebears at the National Archives at Kew in London.

Many people are aware that a large percentage of World war 1 records were destroyed during the Blitz in World War Two and so it can be disappointing for some but if there is anything to be found she will find it.

I have received countless emails, letters and telephone calls of praise from many of the families she has helped during these years and received not one complaint.

I G Edwards BEM Archivist WFR Museum - The Sherwood Foresters Collection