Researching WWI Servicemen and Women

In 1973 about 18 million Official Military Personnel Files burnt at the St. Louis office of the National Archives and Records Administration [NARA]. More than three-quarters of the Army, Army Air Force and Air Force documents were destroyed. The bulk of WWI personnel records were lost, but NARA has worked diligently to supply other means of finding data. Learn to find those records as Mel uses examples from the “Lest We Forget” project including: Draft Registrations, U.S. Army Transportation Service Passenger Lists, U.S. Army lists, U.S. Headstone Applications, Cemetery Records, as well as lesser-known records from specialty archives and museums. Search for females as well, including nurses, yeoman, relatives, and those in civilian service.

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An English native, Mel Russell studied History and Physical Education at the University of London before teaching and traveling around the world. She owned a visual arts/poster store in Sonoma before moving to Davis. In 2000, she became the Coordinator of the Yolo County Archive and Record Center in Woodland where she managed the amazing, unique and historically important collection the county has. Familiar to many as the designer of the ongoing “Lest We Forget” traveling project that commemorates participation by the people of Yolo County in the First World War, Mel’s volunteer activities involved researching the lives of over 900 local service members and creating remarkable local exhibits and presentations that continue today.

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Join in person to see this live presentation at the Davis Senior Center, 646 A St., Davis, or via Zoom. DGC Hybrid meetings are free and open to the public. Guest passes for Zoom available via email to president@davisgenealogy.org.

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A free book table is often available at the meeting for in-person attendees. Refreshments are welcome, some will be provided by the club.

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On this day, the Genealogy Library will be open and staffed from Noon to 1:00 pm before the meeting starts. The library has new hours. We’re also open and staffed by a volunteer on Wednesdays from 1:00 – 3:30 pm and on Fridays from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm. Please mark your calendar and drop in!