How to search Royal Air Force (RAF) service records

The Royal Air Force was formed towards the end of the First World War in April 1918, merging the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS). As such, earlier records of airmen and officers may be found under those branches before the official RAF came into being. 

Like other branches of the military, service records were created for all Royal Air Force personnel, covering personal details, training, postings, ranks, and sometimes medical history. For genealogists, these records provide a fascinating way to understand not only where and how someone served, but also the wider story of the RAF itself. 

Depending on the period and type of service, you might discover details such as: 

• Full name, date of birth, and next of kin 
• Service number and rank 
• Date and place of enlistment 
• Training and promotions 
• Units, squadrons, or stations served with 
• Conduct and character reports 
• Medical notes, injuries, or cause of discharge 

For example, the record of a young airman who enlisted in 1918 might note his transition from mechanic training to overseas service, while a WAAF file could show postings across Britain as radar and intelligence roles became vital in the Second World War. 

While many original RAF service records are held by The National Archives, a wide range have been digitised by family history websites like Findmypast. On the Findmypast website, you can explore the following collections: 

• Airmen’s Service Records 1912–1939, covering those who joined the RAF before the Second World War. 
• Airmen’s Pension Records 1914–1920, which are particularly useful if your ancestor was injured or discharged. 
• Royal Air Force Muster Roll 1918, which provides a snapshot of personnel at the RAF’s formation. 
• RAF Officers’ Service Records 1918–1919, providing valuable insights into early officer careers. 

As with any genealogy research, searching RAF records isn't always straightforward. Employing these handy tips will maximise your chance of success, and help you to connect with the stories of your RAF ancestors from years gone by.  

• Use service numbers where possible. They are often more reliable than names alone, especially as military personnel are sometimes listed by just initials in their records. If you know an ancestor's service record, be sure to make full use of it.  
• Check both RAF and earlier RFC/RNAS records. If your ancestor served around 1914–1918, their paper trail may intersect both the RAF and its predecessor's record-keeping. 
• Consider alternative spellings. All historical records run the risk of misspellings or mistranscriptions, so be sure to search for common variants of your ancestor's name. 

Imagine discovering your grandmother's WAAF record, which shows that she enlisted in 1941 and was posted to a radar station on the south coast. Pair that with wartime newspapers, and you can almost picture her scanning for enemy aircraft as the Blitz raged overhead. Or uncover your great-uncle's service number in the RAF Muster Roll of 1918, placing him among the very first generation of airmen. 

By searching RAF service records, you're not only tracing names and dates – you're delving deeper into stories of courage, innovation, and resilience that shaped both your family and the course of history.