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FAQ

1 What does F & F stand for?

F & F stands for France and Flanders. This was the main British theatre of operations in the Great War.

2 I have a badge/button/picture of a uniform. To what regiment does it belong?

I am afraid we cannot help you here. We recommend you contact:

The Curator, The National War Museum of Scotland, The Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG

3 I cannot find the name of an individual recorded in the Rolls of Honour. Why is this so?

There are errors and omissions from the Rolls of Honour.  Record-keeping 100 years ago was not what it is today and names are still being added to the Rolls of Honour through the course of history.

4 Can I have a name added to the Rolls of Honour?

Given the length of time since the ending of both the First and Second World Wars, the Trustees hoped that there has been ample time for the immediate families of casualties to request that their names be added to, or existing entries be amended in the various Rolls of Honour. Bearing in mind that it is and was the wish of the immediate family of the casualty that was paramount; they had previously restricted such request entitlement to the immediate relations of a casualty.

Recent evidence has shown that the Rolls of Honour are neither complete nor wholly accurate: Thus, whilst the Trustees will always accept applications for additions (and amendments) directly from close relatives (father or mother, husband or wife, son or daughter, nephew, niece, grandchild etc.), the scope for submission has widened.

In each instance, the application must be accompanied by a signed statement that the applicant is the closest next of kin of the casualty, or specify the relationship to the person honoured.

The Trustees will consider a request which comes from the Regimental Headquarters of the casualty’s regiment [or current successor Regiment] or for members of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the Royal Air Force, from the Officer in Charge of the relevant Records Office. In exceptional circumstances, applications from bona fide colleagues or researchers can be submitted for consideration.

Should the casualty have been killed in the armed forces of one of the former Dominions then the request should normally be made by an executive of the appropriate national ex-Serviceman’s organisation (such as the Australian Returned Servicemen’s League).

If a casualty is listed on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website they must also meet the eligibility criteria for the Scottish National War Memorial (listed below) to be considered for inclusion on the Roll of Honour. In all cases the applicant is responsible for providing full documentary proof of the casualty’s service to support the application and similar documentary proof that the serviceman or woman has been accepted as a war casualty by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Documentary proof that the subject, or either natural parent, was born in Scotland is essential where the individual has not served in a Scottish Regiment. This proof should take the form of an extract from the Register of Births. In some circumstances, two consecutive census records spanning the period of the individual's birth may provide sufficient evidence for acceptance.

Applications should be sent via post to the the Chief Executive, SNWM, The Castle, Edinburgh, EH1 2YT, with all documentary evidence attached. Applications may also be sent via email to info@snwm.org. Please note that where multiple applications are being made, each one should be sent in a separate email with all documentary evidence attached in PDF or JPEG format. Applications which arrive without supporting evidence will not be considered.

The Scottish Regiments today comprise The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (formerly Royal Scots Greys), Scots Guards and The Royal Regiment of Scotland (incorporating Royal Scots, Royal Scots Fusiliers, King’s Own Scottish Borderers, Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), Black Watch, Highland Light Infantry, Seaforth Highlanders, Gordon Highlanders, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders)

An application form is available from the Scottish National War Memorial Office.

Before submitting a request for an addition to the Roll of Honour, please check via the SNWM searchable database that the individual is not already included in our records. Searching by Service Number is often the most effective way to carry out this preliminary search https://www.snwm.org/roll-search/

SCOTTISH NATIONAL WAR MEMORIAL

Eligibility Criteria for inclusion in the SNWM Rolls of Honour.

Casualties are recorded in the SNWM Rolls of Honour if they were a member of the Armed Forces of the Crown or of the Merchant Navy and were a Scot, or served in a Scottish Regiment, and was killed or died as a direct result of a wound, injury or disease sustained:

In a Theatre of Operations for which a medal has been awarded; or

  1. whilst on duty in aid of the Civil Power; or
  2. whilst on duty in a foreign country under direct orders of the Crown.

Furthermore, the following groups of casualties are eligible for inclusion:

Scottish civilians who died as a result of enemy action.

Dates of Conflicts. Where casualties as defined above died during or as a result of the First or Second World Wars, the qualifying dates are casualties who died between:

Deaths occurring out with the qualifying periods above will only be regarded as eligible in exceptional circumstances, if all available documentary and other evidence including Death Certificates show that death was the direct result of the wound or injury sustained, or disease contracted on active duty within the qualifying periods.

In 2024 the criteria have been amended to also include those RN and RAF personnel based in Scotland at the time of their death.  This is applicable to casualties from 2024 onwards and not retrospectively. 

5 One of my ancestors was born in/served in/was in detention in Edinburgh Castle. Please tell me more about him.

Sorry we cannot help you here as we do not know of the existence any records of past garrisons of Edinburgh Castle.

6 When I look up an individual with a particular Army number, I find several records. Why is this?

Because originally, soldiers were issued with regimental numbers, so several soldiers in different regiments could have the same number. It was only later that army wide numbers were introduced. We do not know when the army wide system was introduced.

You may have noticed that we cannot answer some of the questions we are posed. However, we often know which organisation can help you. This next section summarises areas where we need to refer you to outside agencies:

7 Where was an individual was killed or buried?

If you wish to find out where an individual was killed or buried, we recommend that you contact the Commonwealth War Graves Commisssion (CWGC) directly at www.cwgc.org.

8 What activity was an individual involved at the time of death?

Invaluable source of information about units or individuals are Regimental War Diaries. These often record the details of individuals’ deaths.

War Diaries. War diaries can be traced, or are held at:

The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Regimental Histories. Regimental Histories can be located through:

Army Museums Ogilby Trust, 59 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 2EX

www.armymuseums.org.uk

or from:

The Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, London, SE1 6HZ

www.iwm.org.uk

9 Medals.

All queries regarding medals should be referred to:

Service Personnel and Veterans Agency, MOD Medal Office, Building 250, Imjin Barracks, Gloucester, GL3 1HW

10 General Enquiries about an individual’s military service.

We cannot answer generic questions about individuals’ military service. You would need access to service records, which to the best of our knowledge are held as follows:

Royal Navy

Officers born before 1914 and Ratings enlisted before 1924:

The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Officers and Other Ranks enlisted after 1925:

Historical Records Office Royal Marines, Centurion Building, Grange Road,

Gosport, Hampshire, PO13 9XA

Army

Officers or soldiers who service ended before 1921:

The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU.

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Officers and soldiers whose service ended between 1921 and 1997 [less Foot Guards]:

Army Personnel Centre, Historical Disclosures, Mail Point 400, Kentigern House,
65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX.

Officers or Soldiers whose regular or reserve service ended after 1997 [less Foot Guards]:

Army Personnel Centre, Disclosures Section 1, Mail Point 520, Kentigern House,
65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX

Officers and Soldiers of the Foot Guards Regiments:

Regimental Headquarters, ***** Guards, Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London,
SW1E 6HQ.

(***** insert Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish or Welsh as appropriate)

Royal Air Force

Officers whose service ended in 1920 or earlier and Airmen whose service ended in 1928 or earlier:

The National Archives, Ruskin Avenue, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU

www.nationalarchives.gov.uk

Officers whose service ended in 1920 or later and Airmen whose service ended in 1928 or later:

PMA (Sec ) IM 1 b, Room 5, Building 248 a, RAF Innsworth, Gloucester, GL3 1EZ

Scots at War Trust

You may also find information about individuals or units through the "Scots at War Trust" website. The Trust concerns itself with native Scots, those of Scots heritage, men and women who served in Scottish or Commonwealth Scottish units and those who served in Scotland, or in Scottish waters, during the

11 Can I have a correction made to an entry in the Rolls of Honour?

Potentially. We would first need to see the individual’s service record. To obtain a service record see 10 above.

 

Our Instagram posts

Even over 100 years later we are still adding casualties to the Rolls of Honour in the Memorial.  Sometimes as a result of people researching their family history or perhaps their local war memorial.  Regular SNWM correspondent Pat Anderson of Forfar sent us a file for consideration for Gunner Alex Cargill, killed in action in 1916. 

Shown in the photos is an extract from Very pleased to be part of such a special day at Dunfermline War Memorial Rededication today. HRH The Princess Royal joined us for it. Great to see so many young people from local schools and youth groups there too. 

#wewillrememberthem #remembrance #lestweforget #fifecouncilMore exciting things happening yesterday Today marks the 10th anniversary of Merchant Navy Day. 

The Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial contain the names of 6,378 Scottish seafarers who lost their lives in both world wars. Apprentice James Reid Carr, was one of them. He was only 20 years old when he was killed on 21st September 1940. His ship SS BARON BLYTHSWOOD in convoy HX-72 was hit amidships by one torpedo from U-99. She sank within 40 seconds. The master, 33 crew members and one gunner were lost in the freezing waters south of Iceland.

Today approximately 95% of all goods imported to and from the UK travel by sea. Today is an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made by merchant seafarers in keeping world trade moving.Fantastic to be a guest at the #edinburghtattoo last night as one of their charity partners. A brilliant performance by the cast and team, thank you for a wonderful evening.Please note the Memorial will be temporarily closed on the morning of Friday 15th August as we commemorate VJDay 80 and will reopen at approx 1330.Truly a pleasure to meet Mary Forbes and her Grandaughter Aimee (pictured) today and show them around the Memorial. 

They brought with them a letter from the front line written by Commanding Officer of Mary's husband's Great Uncle - Pte George Fairholm Forbes. George was killed in WWI and he is listed in our Rolls of Honour. The very moving letter from his CO reads: 

Exciting day yesterday at the Memorial as we kicked off our film project in conjunction with @morayhouseuoe and Dr Paul Hamilton @_paulhamilton. Huge thanks to Lochgelly High School and @edinburghtrinityseacadets @seacadetsleith for coming along to support us!

The project is supported financially by The MacRobert Trust and The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo @edinburghtattoo and we are extremely grateful to them for their assistance.Please note the Memorial will be temporarily closed on Tuesday 15th July until 1130am.A few images from our Annual Service of Commemoration earlier this month.

Images courtesy of Mark Owen & Edinburgh District Sea CadetsPlease note the Memorial will be temporarily closed tomorrow morning (Friday 6th June). It will reopen at approx 1300.Lovely to see the Royal Navy standing guard at the castle this week. A first for the Royal Navy in Scotland. BZ

#royalnavy #royalnavyscotland #edinburghcastleDo you have a relative listed in our rolls of honour? Did you know you can order special commemorative certificates and extracts of the rolls of honour through our website? You can search our online database for free to find war casualties and order certifcates and extracts from our online shop. 

A small fee applies to cover production costs and delivery. See link below to order.

https://www.snwm.org/shop/roll-extracts/The Second World War Rolls of Honour at the Scottish National War Memorial contain the names of 57,778 Scottish casualties. Here are a few of the faces behind the names.

Apprentice James Carr MN 
Killed when his ship SS Baron Blythswood was torpedoed, 20 Sept 1940, age 20

Sqn Ldr Archie McKellar DSO, DFC & Bar – Killed in action, 1940

Flt Sgt John Hannah VC 

LACW Margaret Campbell WAAF
Killed in action 24th October 1944

LCpl Anna MacLeod
Auxiliary Territorial Service, killed in action 11 May 1943, aged 23

Stoker 2nd class William Snedden. Killed in action 1943, aged 19

All gave some, some gave all.
We will never forget them.Fantastic evening last night at the VE Day 80 concert at the Usher Hall. So pleased the Memorial was part of such a special event. Thank you to Legion Scotland and Poppy Scotland for a very fitting tribute.

#lestweforget #veday80 #remembrance #militarywiveschoirPlease note the Memorial will be temporarily closed on the morning of Friday 25th April for a private service. It will reopen at approximately 1300.Pleased to see our beautiful lion repaired and enjoying the spring sunshine yesterday. He sustained some damage and lost an ear during Storm Eowyn. Good to see him restored to his former glory thanks to the superb stonemasons at #historicenvironmentscotland 😊Our next free tour of the Memorial will be next week on Wednesday 26th March. Click on the link below to book your tickets!

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-tour-of-the-scottish-national-war-memorial-tickets-1262851555999?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurlDid you know we have our own online shop at SNWM? We sell a variety of items including exclusive pen and ink prints of Edinburgh Castle, enamel pin badges, photos, commemorative certificates, books etc. You can check out our shop here: https://www.snwm.org/shop/To mark International Women's Day we are sharing some images from the Memorial of women who supported the war effort in WWI. The four sister Services are represented left to right with Queen Mary's Auxiliary Army Corps, The Voluntary Aid Detatchment, Women's Royal Naval Service and Women's Royal Air Force. The third image is of two nurses, one from the Royal Army Medical Corps and the other from the VAD.

#internationalwomensday #lestweforget #womenatwar #scottishhistoryWe were delighted to receive a visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester last week at the Memorial. It was lovely to meet him and show him round the Memorial.A very moving and poignant service to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We were honoured to support the Ukrainian community yesterdayToday in the Memorial we will be marking the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine and remembering all those who have given their lives in defence of their country. 

We will be joined by members of the Ukrainian community. 

#lestweforgetukraine #evoc #associationofukrainiansingreatbritainPlease note the Memorial will be closed for a private event on the morning of Monday 24th Feb and also on the morning of Wednesday 26th Feb.We're running a free guided tour of the Memorial on Thursday 27th February. Tickets can be booked via the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guided-tour-of-the-scottish-national-war-memorial-tickets-1236227342259?aff=oddtdtcreator
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