The aim of this page it to provide a basic outline of primary online sources as a starting point for personal searches. There are too many third party websites and Facebook groups to include.
The BCSA is unable to undertake research for individuals but would be interested to hear about any other sources that may be helpful to others.
Background information to historic records
When a source does not offer an English version, use Google translate as an aid.For a list of translators see the link under the Czech and Slovak activities section in British Czech Slovak Links – British Czech and Slovak Association
Family Search provides useful explanations about reading records in Czech and German with free access to limited digitised regional records. These can be challenging to decipher in their original script.
Prior to 1918, many Czech records are in German or both languages during WW2. To identify the German name for places that are known by their Czech name today try
List of German names for places in the Czech Republic – Wikipedia although it may not include small communities.
Until 1918 Slovakia was not an independent entity or a separate administrative unit within the Hungarian state. Hungarian toponyms in Slovakia – Wikipedia provides a comparative list for cities and towns in Slovak, Hungarian and German.
Family tree search
Ancestry has some relevant records including limited Czech records (eg census, land ownership, holocaust survivors) and Slovakia, Church and Synagogue Books, 1592-1910 – Ancestry. It also provides some immigration records for the UK including passenger lists. A 14-day free trial is available to access records. It may also be possible to have free access via your public library.
MyHeritage has extensive Czech and Slovak records which may offer possible connections. In order to see the full records it is necessary to take up a 14-day free trial subscription.
For Jewish family records try Genealogy Resources which is free to search. Registers of Jewish Religious Communities from 1784 to 1949 are held by the Czech National Archive. For a list of the 660 children rescued by Nicholas Winton see his profile on Czech Slovak British Connections – British Czech and Slovak Association
Czech National Archive
A portal provides an overview of archival records with links to registers (matriky) and parish records by region and type, many of which have been digitised.
There are seven regional archives: Central Bohemia (including Prague) Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Bohemia, Northern and Southern Moravia. Each in turn have district archives (72 in total) some are incorporated into their regional websites.
Slovak National Archive
EHRI – Slovenský národný archív
News and Announcements, Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic – Public Administration
use auto translate for English
Regional registry contacts Associations of Municipalities, Ministry of Interior of the Slovak Republic – Public Administration
use auto translate for English
[insert PDF Kosice request form as example]
Czechoslovaks in Britain during WW2
CAST Czech and Slovak things compiled by Richard Gaskell
Very comprehensive with alphabetical listings of civilian refugees, military personnel including soldiers and RAF. Some sources listed are now out of date.
The Free Czechoslovak Air Force website has lists of Czechoslovak personnel who served in the RAF/WAAF during WW2 and other sources.
There is no archive of Czechoslovak military records in the UK. The majority are with the Military Museum in Prague and its satellite museums.
Central Military Archive (VÚA) in Czech, English, French, German and Italian
Select UK flag bottom right for English.
For a basic search enter the name and select “Members of the Czech Republic military units abroad” from database drop down menu.
The request form for detailed personnel records is only in Czech. [insert PDF link]
Ancestry also has VÚA records and the 1939 England and Wales register which records where the civilian population, including refugees, were living at the outbreak of WW2.
For Slovak military records see the Institute of Military History website.
Our website page Never Forgotten provides locations for the 308 graves and 18 memorials in the UK of Czechoslovak airmen and soldiers who lost their lives and other WW2 information.
For UK military records see https://www.publicrecordsearch.co.uk/types-of-records/military-records
Czechoslovaks who settled in Britain
The National Archive in Kew database can be searched by entering the name to find out what records are held and how one can access them. This may be a reference to the person’s naturalisation certificate record or the Czechoslovak Refugee Trust records (many are still closed).
If the person has been naturalised, the London Gazette record gives his/her exact address and occupation at the time.
Thanks to all those who have shared their sources in compiling this page to help others trace their ancestors.