We intend to publish an information sheet on how to go about doing some initial research, either from your computer or one at any of the libraries in the Chorley area.
As the project develops, we intend to hold workshops in Chorley Central Library, branch libraries, parish and village halls in the Borough. In addition, we will list the names on civic and church war memorials across the Borough (see Memorials page), as well as individually (A to Z) under the respective conflict page on this website. Please be patient with us as it will be an on-going and time consuming task; if you have lists / information about these memorials, please do send them to us.
In the meantime, if a family member died in WW1 or WW2 whilst serving in any of the armed forces, then go to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website www.cwgc.org and click on their ‘Debt of Honour’ link, entering as much information as possible. If you have subscription to the likes of www.ancestry.co.uk or www.findmypast.co.uk they have searchable databases of medal rolls, service and pension records for soldiers in the Boer and First World War.
Service Records of men and women who served in the Second World War are only available to the individual (if still alive) or to their next of kin from the Ministry of Defence records branch in Glasgow; there is currently a six to eight month wait following a written application (also the MoD charge £35 just to look for you).
Good luck in your research – we trust you will share your results with us.