* WW1 Death - registration?

[davidm_uk]

My grandfather was killed in WW1 and I have the original letter advising of his place of burial. I also know the exact date of death. However I've been unable to find any entry in the GRO Death Index that matches his name and age (even approximately).
Were the deaths of WW1 servicemen registered, was it left to the family to do this, how did it work? Should I be able to obtain a death certificate for him?
Thanks for any advice.
David.

ID:1853

[Hannah1871]

Hi David
1837online.com may have the information that you are looking for. I know that they have a section on all armed forces births, marriages and deaths. It may be worth taking a look.

[Jane]

I had a look for one of my war dead at 1837 online, here he is in the GRO WAR DEATHS ARMY OTHER RANKS (1914 to1921)



I presume you can use this to order a certificate, but I have not tried.

[Rusty]

My grandfather was also killed in WWI and I managed to find the references for his certificate. Like you I knew the date, burial place etc. and I was very disappointed when the certificate came back with the bare information giving his age, born in England, date and place of death and the cause of death as 'Killed in Action'.

I was really disappointed.

Margaret

[Jane]

One good source of information about the actions of a unit on a given date, are the unit war diaries. They may provide more clues.

The reference in the GRO lists includes the regiment and the army number so if the records still exist you may be able to get the personal records, if not there should be enough to work out the unit with in the battalions postings. Searching out Charles Moore I learnt a great deal about the Gallipoli campaign.

[ganstey]

Also remember that deaths overseas are listed separately. My uncle died in a downed aircraft just off the Yorkshire coast in WWII. Because he died at sea he is listed as having died overseas.

However, as Margaret says, the military certificates give very little information.

Graham