Findmypast.co.uk is proud to announce the release of rare World War I records detailing the lives of over 85,000 soliders in the Surrey area between 1908 and 1933. many records from the period were destroyed by fire so it is a real boon to be able to add these registers to our collection.

If you had ancestors alive in Surrey during the period it is reasonably likely to find a relevant name in these records as there was a mass influx of men wanting to join up for the war. More recruiting officers were needed and in the East Surrey regimental area recruiting offices were also established at Richmond, Putney, Wandsworth, Streatham, East Dulwich, Peckham, Upper Norwood, Tooting, Mitcham, Wimbledon, Sutton, East Molesey, Walton on Thames, Epsom and Wallington. These recruitment registers cover these areas and those who were born in the area but attested in other regimental districts.

The lists comprise regular army conscripts, Special and Extra Reserve enlistments - the new militia, volunteers, conscripted men and Derby Scheme men. The latter opened the army up to men between the ages of 18 and 40 who were told they could enlist voluntarily or attest with the obligation to join up later when called upon to do so. there are alos voluntary and direct enlistments of men joining after November 1918.

The image shows shows volunteers lining up at outside the Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment) depot at Kingston-upon-Thames in August or September 1914.

These records are brought to you online with kind assistance from The Surrey History Trust

Search the Surrey Recruitment Registers records now