As you may already know, military service files contain a wealth of information about soldiers, nursing sisters and chaplains. The files for the First World War have been reviewed and contain an average of 50 to 70 pages. Later files however, such as the files for those who were killed-in-action during the Second World War, have not been reviewed by the Personnel Records Unit and might contain multiple copies of the same documents. This is why these files are larger, and may contain up to 400 pages.
Do you really want to view all 400 pages, including duplicate copies?
Probably not. That is why Library and Archives Canada (LAC) created the “Genealogy Package”, which offers a selection of the most relevant documents in a file to help you discover the story of an individual during their service time.
You can read how to order the Genealogy Package in our online article “How to Order Military Records from the Personnel Records Unit”. However, in case you are wondering what kinds of documents are included in a Genealogy Package, we have included the following list outlining the most common documents for the army, the air force and the navy.
The Army
Attestation paper, dental record, discharge certificate, DVA counselling, interview report, medal card, medical record, occupational history form, part II orders, particulars of family, pay-related documents, personnel selection record, soldier qualification card, war bonds correspondence.
The Air Force
Dental record, discharge certificate, DVA counselling interview report, enlistment form, medal card, medical record, occupational history form, particulars of family, pay-related documents, personnel selection record, RCAF card/service card, war bonds correspondence.
The Navy
Dental record, DVA counselling interview report, enlistment form, medal card, medical record, occupational history form, particulars of family, pay-related documents, personnel selection record, record of service card, true certificate of service, verification form (medals), war bonds correspondence.
Are you interested in ordering a military service file? Did you know that you can help make a broader range of LAC holdings available to others? You can do this by choosing the PDF option (either the URL link by email or the CD) when you order a complete file—for example, a soldier’s file from the First World War. The images you request can then be repurposed for use on LAC’s website, whenever permissible. Help us build LAC’s digital collection; the URL link will save you money on shipping fees too.
Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you!
Library and Archives Canada Blog 
Pingback: Understand the Abbreviations Commonly Found in Military Service Files « Library and Archives Canada Blog
Pingback: From Enlistment to Burial Records: The Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World War | Library and Archives Canada Blog
how do I get a copy of my discharge paper.Reg.#236542 served 1954 to 1964
Hello – somebody from Reference services will be in touch with you shortly to answer your question.
Joined forces in 1975 had a medical discharge 2 months into service due to lost vision in one eye looking for my discharge papers copy? Can some one help me
Hello Russell – somebody from Reference services will be in touch with you shortly to answer your question. In the meantime,you can look at this page (https://thediscoverblog.com/2011/12/20/how-to-order-military-records-from-the-personnel-records-unit/) to see what is involved in the process.
Hello
I joined the RCAF in 1961 course number 6148 and was discharged in 1962 shortly after my marriage. How can I obtain a copy of my discharge papers?
Hello,
this blog article (https://thediscoverblog.com/2011/12/20/how-to-order-military-records-from-the-personnel-records-unit/) explains the process of ordering a service file. For your own service file follow the instructions in this PDF (http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/022/f2/022-909.007-e.pdf) and send it either by mail or fax to the address at the bottom of the form.
how can I get a copy of my discharge papers. I served in the RCAF from JULY 1962 to Dec. 1964, Margaret Van der Veen – mrgdawson@yahoo.ca
Hello Ms. Dawson-Van Der Veen,
please follow the same instructions as the question above. You can learn about the process of ordering your service record in this blog article: https://thediscoverblog.com/2011/12/20/how-to-order-military-records-from-the-personnel-records-unit/ and to order your own service file follow the instructions in this PDF: http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/obj/022/f2/022-909.007-e.pdf and send it either by mail or fax to the address at the bottom of the form.
How can I find my dad’s record of service? His regimental number is 89931 and he served with 67 Battery, 16 Brigade, CFA in WW1. He wa wounded and spent time in the uk recovering. I’d like as much material as possible. His name was Driver E Patterson. Thanks
Hello Mr. Patterson,
your father’s service file can be found here: http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.item/?op=pdf&app=CEF&id=B7638-S033
If you have any further questions, you can always submit your question through the Ask Us A Question form that is found here: http://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/assistance-request-form/Pages/assistance-request-form.aspx?requesttype=1
Good luck!
Thank you very much, but I still have a problem. I ran the site you gave me and it worked just fine, however, the next time I tried it, it seemed as though it would not load or something and In can’t get the information back. What do you suggest?
Hello again Mr. Patterson,
the file is very large and may take a while to appear on your screen. I would suggest that you download it and save it to your computer to ensure that you are able to access it properly. To download it, right-click on the link above and select Save link as…
Good luck!