Findmypast has released nearly 370,000 new military records, including a massive 1881 worldwide index for the British Army and detailed lists of Australian Navy officers. The newspaper archive has also expanded by over 250,000 pages.
British Army, Worldwide Index 1881
This massive index is a crucial snapshot of the British Army during the year of the 1881 Census. It helps locate soldiers who may have been missed in domestic census records due to overseas service.
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Records added: 235,390.
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Details: Typically includes name, service number, rank, unit/regiment, and location (such as Gibraltar, India, or various colonial outposts).
Royal Horse Artillery & Royal Artillery, 1877-1882
Specifically targeting the “Gunners,” this collection provides deeper insight into those serving in the artillery during the late 19th century.
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Records added: 72,673.
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Details: May include enlistment dates, age at enlistment, battery and brigade numbers, and specific remarks regarding transfers between units.
Australia, Navy Lists
This collection offers a professional record of officers serving in Australia’s naval forces, charting the transition from colonial forces to the Royal Australian Navy (established 1911).
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Years covered: 1905–1985.
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Records added: 60,909.
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Details: Includes names, ranks, seniority, appointments, and postings. These lists are excellent for tracing career progression and identifying specific ships or shore establishments.
Newspaper Additions
New Titles:
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Doncaster Free Press: 125,566 pages (1986–2004).
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Leinster Express: 25,306 pages (1831–1919).
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Mansfield & North Nottinghamshire Chronicle-Advertiser: 23,898 pages (1989–1998).
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British Temperance Advocate: 946 pages (1853–1884).
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British Cinema Chronicle: 4 pages (1918).
Notable Updates:
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Midland Free Press: Over 16,000 pages added (1858–1913).
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Bognor Regis Observer: Over 13,000 pages added (1986–2004).
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Reading Mercury: Over 7,000 pages added (1951–1960).