Conscription document from Belarus
Conscription document from Belarus.

Belarusian military records reflect a complex history, shaped by shifting borders and foreign rule. Before the 20th century, many Belarusians served in the armies of the Russian Empire. Draft lists, service records, and pension files may be found in Russian military archives and regional repositories. During the Soviet era, conscription was universal, generating extensive military personnel files, many still housed in Belarusian or Russian archives. Records often include birth details, education, occupations, and family status. World War II service, partisan activities, and Soviet military careers are especially well-documented. For genealogists, Belarusian military records can fill crucial gaps where civil records were lost and offer glimpses into ancestors’ experiences during major historical upheavals.


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Military

Draft, Enlistment & Service

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