National Museum of the Royal Navy

The Dockyard Museum opened in Portsmouth in 1911 and gradually evolved into the Royal Naval Museum, which in turn became a part of the newly formed National Museum of the Royal Navy in September of 2009. The organisation also encompasses The Royal Marines Museum, The Royal Navy Submarine Museum, the Fleet Air Arm Museum and Explosion! Museum of Naval Firepower.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy aims to inspire continued engagement with the history of the Royal Navy and how it shaped our nation and the world while also highlighting the role of the modern Royal Navy today.

During the Second World War, the Royal Navy suffered extensive warship losses. Britain lost hundreds of naval vessels, ranging from battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines to smaller escorts, minesweepers, and auxiliary craft.

This collection documents those warships lost during the Second World War, recording vessels destroyed by enemy action, accidents, or operational hazards between 1939 and 1945. These records can provide vital information that gives context to your naval ancestor's experience during the Second World War, including how and where their ship was lost.

Delve deeper into your family history by exploring this collection of Royal Navy Casualty Logs to discover more about your ancestors who served in Britain's Royal Navy during the Second World War. These records document Royal Navy ships that were lost, damaged, or involved in serious incidents and record events such as sinkings, enemy attacks, collisions, groundings, and mine strikes.

These records can help you uncover new information about your naval ancestors such as their official number, the date of any injuries sustained and their date of death.

This collection of Royal Naval Division Service Records allows you to delve deeper into the lives of your naval ancestors and uncover details about their service during the First World War. These records can provide you with details about your ancestor such as their rank, where and when they served, religious denomination and registered next of kin.

Over 800,000 men served in Britain's Royal Navy during the First World War, with many joining as 'temporary' personnel for the duration of hostilities only. This remarkable fighting force was largely made up of seamen and officers that were employed by the navy or had been part of the Royal Naval Reserve or the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. Was your ancestor one of the brave individuals who served?