
The military records of Canada are a rich resource for genealogical research, especially from the 19th century onward. Service files from the South African (Boer) War, World War I, and World War II often include enlistment forms, medical exams, correspondence, and discharge papers—offering a wealth of personal details. Earlier records, such as militia rolls and Loyalist military documents, date back to the 18th century. World War I attestation papers and World War II service files typically note birthdates, addresses, next-of-kin, occupations, and physical characteristics. Library and Archives Canada is a central repository for these records. For genealogists, Canada’s military documents illuminate ancestors’ service experiences and provide biographical data often missing from civil records, while reflecting Canada’s evolving national identity and global role.
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Draft, Enlistment & Service
- Canada, Soldiers of the First World War, 1914-1918 622,628 records