Ancestry UK has opened up its UK Military Collection this weekend. It's a BIG collection of records, giving researchers access to millions of records covering more than 300 years of military service and conflict. Included are several datasets from Ireland, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, and South Africa.
Among the 100 datasets included in this free access weekend are:
UK, British Prisoners of War, 1939-1945UK, WWI Service Medal and Award Rolls, 1914-1920
UK, Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929
UK, Military Campaign Medal and Award Rolls, 1793-1949
UK, Naval Officer and Rating Service Records, 1802-1919
Web: UK, WWII Medals Issued to Merchant Seamen, 1939-1945
British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920
You can view the full list of databases included in the free weekend here.
To take advantage of this four-day free access weekend, you'll need a free registered account with Ancestry UK. If you don't already have one, you'll find it's quick and easy to set up. Start searching for your ancestor on the free access search page and provide your name and email address when prompted. Ancestry will then send you a username and password; once signed in, you'll have access to all the records.
The free access period will end at 11:59pm (BST) on Monday 24 July.