How to look for records of... Household Cavalry soldiers’ service records 1799-1920

How can I view the records covered in this guide?

How many are online?

  • All

What are these records?

These are the surviving service records for non-commissioned officers and other ranks who were discharged from the Household Cavalry between 1799-1920.

They cover the following regiments:

  • Life Guards
  • Royal Horse Guards
  • Household Battalion

This collection, in series WO 400, consists of just over 11,500 service records.

What information do they contain?

The records can include the following information:

  • regiment and rank
  • remarks concerning the individual
  • next of kin
  • medical reports and pension details

How do I search the records?

You can search and download the records in Discovery (£) by filling in the form below.

Details of individual:
Service record of Thomas Ball. Document reference: WO 400/1/261

Service record of Thomas Ball (catalogue reference: WO 400/1/261)

What do these records look like?

To get an idea of what the records look like, you can enlarge the image on the right. This is a page from the record of Thomas Ball (catalogue reference: WO 400/1/261).

Why can’t I find what I’m looking for?

If the soldier went on to serve with another regiment of the British Army then try searching the First World War soldiers’ service records available on Ancestry (£).

If the soldier went on to serve with a Guards regiment, you will need to contact the relevant headquarters.