This Archive does NOT have access to official military service records of any individual. They are an essential source of information for those looking for information and getting a copy of them is the best starting point. You can apply for them.

All Service Records are in the process of being transferred to the National Archives. It can still take up to a year for Army records to be processed. RN/RM Records are currently taking an average of 5 months. However, they are working hard to reduce this as quickly as possible. Read more on their website [here......].

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Unlike today in World War 2 and for some time afterwards not all Royal Marines were Commandos.

Service records of Royal Marines that show reference to certain shore bases such as HMS Copra, HMS Quebec, HMS Dinosaur indicate service in Combined Operations either as commando personnel, non commando Landing Craft personnel, or in some other capacity. There were also other Combined Operations shore bases. 
Victualling records were kept on all who served in the Royal Navy. They are kept at Restore Records Management, Navy Search, PO Box 7814 William Nadin Way Swadlincote DE11 1EG. ( Tel: 01283 227912 ). They will only advise if they have received a formal request via the service record application process to check on an individual.

 

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Follow this link to learn How to apply for a Service Record.(updated Jan.2023).

Follow this link to learn How to apply for Medals.

Follow this link for an explanation of Royal Marines Register Numbers.

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You can also search the National Archives Recommendations for military honours and awards 1935-1990 [go to search page].

Remember the above is only the recommendation. Once the award is granted it is published in London Gazettes. When searching Gazettes remember to tick the box "Include Supplement". [go to website].