Chris Baker’s military records research service
Do you need help in researching someone who served in the British Army in the Great War of 1914-1918?
Who and how : How much : What I do not do: Place your order now
Perhaps you have not yet started. Or maybe you have done some work and taken it as far as you can. Perhaps you have photographs, letters or other artefacts and wish to know the full story.
I would love to help.
Who and how
I am Chris Baker. You may have heard of me through my leading Great War website The Long, Long Trail. I have been a professional military researcher full-time since 2007.
In that time, thousands of men have been researched for private clients, and many more for “Who do you think you are?” and other media productions.
It adds up to an accumulation of experience and capability matched by few.
I will find all information that exists in the public domain, as far as possible. (Details) Perhaps you have already found some of this information. I’ll make sure we have everything.
I will interpret the details given by the documents found, and reconstruct the man’s story in as much depth and detail as the records allow. From that I will compile a comprehensive and easily understood report for you. This can usually be completed within two weeks, often less, although there may be a queue in front of your work. I will advise you of this at time of acceptance.
I will deliver it to you through digital means. You will be provided with a secure link to an online copy of my report, which you can download at any time.
Digital service providers (such as Ancestry) impose limitations on what I can copy to you. Where I can do so, I will send the documents along my report. Where I cannot, I will provide specific references so you can obtain them for yourself.
How much?
Fee. My service has a maximum price of £99. If there are gaps or uncertainties in the man’s story, or information cannot be located, I will adjust the fee down accordingly. It is too complex to give you a price menu for that: you will need to trust me to come to a reasonable number. But typically a project will come in at £60-£80. It is sometimes necessary for me to make a small purchase, such as for a copy of a soldier’s will. This will be added to my fee. No up-front payment is required. I trust you.
Please note that there is a minimum fee of £40 that covers set up and the archival searches. If this proves negative, I will send you an explanation of the situation and what you might try next.
Terms. Very simple. You contract is with me as a sole trader under the laws of England and Wales. Once you receive confirmation that I have received your order and am prepared to undertake project, I am committed to deliver and you have committed to pay for the results. I accept direct payment to UK bank or via Paypal (by credit card, debit card or Paypal’s own service). My invoice will be in Pounds Sterling. Use of Paypal will attract a processing charge of £10.
Copyright. I will own copyright of my report but you are granted a free licence to use it in any non-commercial way you wish. I will advise you of any copyright matters relating to documents I am able to send to you.
Out of scope
I do not research men of the Navy and Royal Air Force unless they also had military (that is, army) service. Nor do I research men of the Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or Indian forces.
Officers can present a challenge at present due to more limited access to the National Archives (a long-term effect of Covid-19). I will advise you in more detail should you wish me to research an officer.
Place your order
If this sounds good to you, please complete this order form. (If you wish to research more than one man, please use an individual form for each man.)
I would greatly value your business and look forward to hearing from you.
Contact me
Should you wish to ask questions or comment about my service, or contact me with regard to talks, media enquiries or other matters, please use this contact form.
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