The National Archives preserves the service records of Australians who served with the Army during World War II.

The table below lists the different World War II service records we hold.

The records created by the Army during WWII typically comprise a set of forms:

• attestation (enlistment) form – sets out personal details such as age, next of kin and former occupation
• service and casualty form (Form B103) – records information about units and postings, injuries and disciplinary charges
• discharge form that summarises the person's service – not included in all cases
• head-and-shoulders photograph – may be included
• other documents or correspondence – occasionally included

Some online copies of World War II service records already exist.

1. Go to NameSearch.
2. Enter the family name of the service person – make sure it is the name used at enlistment.
3. Select ‘World War II’ from the dropdown menu.
4. Search.
5. Display the results of your search. If there are too many, you can refine this search result, and then enter the person’s given names and/or service number.
6. Use the link to ‘View digital copy’. You can also print a copy of the record.

You can order and pay for an online copy of a World War II service record. The digital copy will be produced and loaded onto RecordSearch for viewing.

To order an online copy:

• locate the item entry using NameSearch (see above)
• click on the ‘Request copy’ button
• complete the online order form using eCommerce

The cost for an online digital copy is:

• AU$16.50 (including GST) for purchases within Australia
• AU$15 (GST-free) for purchases made outside Australia

The National Archives has introduced an improved copying service for World War II Army service records.

For AU$25, when you select the photocopy option when ordering online:

• you will receive a colour copy of a service record posted in a presentation folder, and
• at no additional cost, you will be able to view an online copy of the record on our website through RecordSearch

To order and pay online:

• first locate the item using NameSearch (see above)
• click on the ‘Request copy’ button
• complete the order form using our secure eCommerce facility

If you want to order a photocopy without an online copy, please phone 1300 886 881 during business hours. You will receive a black and white photocopy posted in a presentation folder. Colour copies are not available under this option.

Costs are:

• AU$25 (including GST) for purchases within Australia
• AU$28 (GST-free) for purchases made outside Australia

You can view a World War II service record in the National Archives Canberra reading room.

There are still many WWII service records that require clearance before they can be publicly viewed. If you wish to view a service record, you will need to contact us at least four weeks ahead of your visit. Please remember to indicate whether the service person is living or deceased when making your request.

Medals

Information about medal entitlements is available from:

Pension information and entitlements

Veterans' Affairs Network
Tel: 1300 551 918

For more information on Army records see:

• Fact Sheet 136 – Army service records
• Fact Sheet 163 – Sources of information about military service
• Fact Sheet 177 – Defence service records for WWI and WWII 

You can also browse one of our other fact sheets on defence, armed services and war.

It is also worth checking the WWII nominal roll on the Department of Veterans’ Affairs website.