A The names recorded on memorials provide an important source of information, and are often recorded by local history groups. However the sheer volume of information involved in recording each name meant that they could not be added to the database in the first phase of its compilation.  The Inventory is seeking resources to undertake this work in the future.

Meanwhile, project staff can carry out elementary manual searches across small geographical areas but successes are not guaranteed. In order to assist with the search process, enquirers are asked to supply the following information:

• Full name of the relative being sought
• Date of death
• Rank and service details e.g. Sergeant J. Smith, Royal Warwickshire Regiment
• Place of birth if known and place of residence of next of kin
• Schools attended and place of work if relevant and known
• Religion

The information that can be provided will depend upon how the names appear on a memorial. With some lists of names on memorials there are only initials and surnames so it is not always certain that the person who is commemorated on a memorial is the same one being sought. Unfortunately, detailed research into each of those commemorated is beyond the project’s means. With an estimated total of around 1.5 million names on the memorials in the UK the project does not have the resources to be able to do it. Enquirers are advised to contact their local family history society to see if they have carried out this research