National Archives
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Chelsea Pensioners' records and Military Attestation Papers to go online

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 may 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 97Records unavailable (anticipated dates)
Piece numbers From To
1 - 1475 Not affected as microform copies exist  
1476 - 1962 1 December 2008 28 February 2009
1963 - 2592 1 February 2009 30 April 2009
2593 - 3222 1 April 2009 30 June 2009
3223 - 3852 1 June 2009 31 August 2009
3853 - 4412 1 August 2009 31 October 2009
4413 - 5042 1 October 2009 31 December 2009
5043 - 5602 1 December 2009 28 February 2010
5603 - 6232 1 February 2010 30 April 2010
6233 - 6383 1 April 2010 31 May 2010

 

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