Other information on British prisoners of war, 1914-1918

Most records of British POWs of the Great War are no longer in existence or no longer easily accessible.

The collection in National Archives WO161 - searchable by using the database on this site - is the most comprehensive collection that is available to the public.

A printed list of officers taken POW was produced during the war, and has been reprinetd in recent years: there is a copy in the National Archives Library, and it can be found on the used book market. It is the List of officers taken prisoner in the various theatres of war between August 1914 and November 1918. It was originally published by Cox & Co.

Finally, it is possible to enquire whether the International Committee of the Red Cross still retains any records. This was the single largest archive retaining records of POWs from the Great War period, but access is now restricted. There is an appropriate form to complete, available on the ICRC Archives website. This is a paid service, and ICRC will provide details of costs once you have submitted the form.

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How to research the military career of a soldier of the British Army of 1914-1918