Söldnerheere (armies) of the 16th century were primarily hired by warring nations through contracts (Kapitulationen). Photographs sometimes show insignia that identify a regiment or ship. Commanding officers can be identified with their units relatively easily. Search the sources cited above to find your ancestor's regiment, ship, or commanding officer. These records usually indicated the regiment in which the man was serving. German church records usually indicate social standing. The crucial information needed to find military records is the soldier's regiment or the sailor's ship. A young man who had not yet served had to get special permission before he could emigrate.Įvidence that an ancestor actually served in the military can sometimes be found in family records, biographies, censuses, photographs, emigration papers, medals, probate records, civil registration records, and church records. Since most German states had conscription laws, most young men were required to register for military service.

Germany had a large army and a small navy. Military records identify individuals who served in the military or who were eligible to serve. Soviet Prisoners of World War II Held in Germany at MyHeritage - index & images ($).1916-1918 Prisoners Of War Sound Recordings 1916-1918 at Findmypast - index & images ($).1828-1888 Halle(Saale), Germany, Military Recruitment Lists, 1828-1888 at Ancestry - index & images ($).17 Halle, Germany, Thadden Regiment, Muster Roll, 17 at Ancestry - index & images ($).5.4 War of Austrian Succession, 1740 to 1748.5.3 War of the Palatine Succession, 1688 to 1697.4.3 Records at the FamilySearch Library.3.1.2 American Revolution - Hessian Troops.The FamilySearch moderator for Germany is Baerbel

Navy records for world war 2