Service records and attestation papers
The service records held covering the period between the world wars, are summarised in the table below.
Collection references
| Series title | Date range | Series number | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | PMF (Permanent Military Forces) and Army Militia personnel dossiers | 1901–40 | B4717 |
| Army Militia service records, attestation documents (Form A7) | 1901–40 | B4747 |
| Army lists | 1923–ongoing | A1194 |
What’s in Army militia records?
The composition of dossiers varies considerably. Common documents include:
- militia attestation form (Form A7)
- Permanent Forces attestation (Form A5)
- officers record of service (Form B199)
- personal record card – Permanent Forces (Form A97)
Other documents can include conduct sheets, medical history records, identity photographs, proceedings of discharge, and correspondence concerning aspects of the subject’s service or appointment.
Find and view a record online
You can use NameSearch to try and find a record from the interwar period.
- Go to NameSearch.
- Enter the person’s surname and select 'Pre WWI, Inter war, post WWII' from the dropdown category of records.
- Search.
Purchase a copy
To purchase a colour print copy of a Permanent Military forces personnel dossier or an Army Militia service record, first locate the entry for the record using NameSearch (see above). When you have found the entry, use the ‘Request copy’ button, then order and pay online using our secure eCommerce facility.
A colour print copy costs:
- AU$25 (including GST) for purchases within Australia
- AU$28 (GST-free) for purchases made outside Australia
The copy will be mailed to you in a presentation folder within 30 days of your paid request being received.
View an original record
To view an original record in the Melbourne reading room, please submit an advance request to view records form or contact the Melbourne office directly.
Further information
For more information on Army records see Army service records or browse one of our other defence, armed services and war records.
