World War 2

Guide to sources for World War 2.

What do I need to know before I start?

Try to find out the:

  • name

  • service details

What records can I find in The Mitchell: Registrars, Glasgow City Archives and Special Collections?

The Registrars hold war returns of deaths of Scots for various conflicts, including those for World War 2. The war returns have been digitally imaged and indexed. Copies of the digital images and indexes can be accessed as part of the ScotlandsPeople network during a visit to the Registrars’ at The Mitchell.

 

Glasgow Corporation and other organisations produced Rolls of Honour to mark the contribution of those who died in the war. The City Archives holds these rolls published by the Council:

  • Second World War (ref: C5/9/2)

  • Second World War, civilian dead (ref: C5/9/3)

 

You can also access the Roll of Honour in Special Collections, but not for the civilian dead.

 

The Archives holds the records of the Civil Defence department of Glasgow Corporation, which includes:

  • registers and other records of persons killed or injured in air-raids, 1940-1941

  • messages and reports, including air raid incidents and situation reports, 1939-1944

  • map showing areas of bomb damage to the city in 1941 (ref: D-AP8/14). If your ancestor’s property was affected by bombing during World War II, it may be shown on the map

What records can I see online?

There are no records online.

What records can I see elsewhere?

Visit the Veterans UK website for information about how to request a summary of records of service personnel (1920 to present) from the Ministry of Defence. These are not available to members of the general public, but next of kin may request access to them.