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The catalogue Catalogue references for WO 97 are as follows:
→Service and pension records: timetable not needed here, can be found on FMP, shorten section for readability
====Service and pension records====
Discharge papers ([http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=13157&CATLN=3&Highlight=&FullDetails=True WO 97]), usually containing service/attestation information, and pension records ([http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/displaycataloguedetails.asp?CATID=13082&CATLN=3&Highlight=&FullDetails=True WO 22]) may also be found at TNA. Discharge papers up to 1854 are listed alphabetically by name and can be searched online. Records in WO 97 are usually only for men discharged to with a pension (ie having served 12 years or having been invalided) as these were the papers sent to the Royal Hospital Chelsea and preserved. The records often contain a wealth of genealogical information, including birth date and location, next of kin, physical description, service locations, medical history and medals. Copies (paper or digital) of TNA records can be ordered by distance for a fee.
The National Archives is working with findmypast.co.uk to scan and place online two series of records: WO 97 (Royal Hospital Chelsea: Soldiers' Service Documents 1760-1913) and WO 96 (War Office: Militia Attestation Papers 1806-1915). The aim is to have all by the records online by end of 2011. This India List [http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/INDIA/2009-10/1255209460 post] is about WO 97 documents.WO97 for the years 1883 to 1900 is currently available at [http://www.findmypast.co.uk/chelsea-pensioners-service-records-collection-search-start.action findmypast.co.uk]. Charges apply to view the records, but the search is free.This [http://www.findmypast.co.uk/helpadvice/knowledge-base/overseas-military/cheps.jsp link] provides information about the records, including the fact that a pension was available after twelve years service, or earlier if wounded. The timetable for release is::Date range When available :WO97 1901-1913 By May 2010 :WO97 1873-1882 By June 2010 :WO97 1855-1872 By July 2010 :WO97 1760-1854 By April 2011 :WO96 1806-1915 By Nov 2011
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/browser.asp?CATLN=3&CATID=13157&POSCATLN=6&POSCATID=1000 1760-1854: discharge papers arranged by regiment, but each described at item level. (WO 97/1-1271)]. This means a person's name can be searched for in the online catalogue search.
*[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/catalogue/browser.asp?CATLN=3&CATID=13157&POSCATLN=6&POSCATID=1275000 1855-1872: discharge papers arranged by regiment and range of surname. (WO 97/1272-1721)]
