Historic Records Limited holds an extensive collection of rolls of honour dating from the early twentieth century until the 1950s. The majority of the collection focus on the First World War (1914-1918), but we also have volumes commemorating soldiers who served in the Anglo-South African (Boer) War of 1899-1902, and the Second World War (1939-1945).

Rolls of Honour take many forms: some may commemorate all those men and women who served, others only those who died in the service of their monarch and country. Rolls of honour and rolls of service were compiled by churches, schools, employers, villages, towns, cities, and even counties. Today, many of these rolls are uncommon, difficult to come by, and expensive when located.

The South Pacific Mail, War Memorial Number, was published in Valparaiso, Chile in 1920 and is a “Historical record of the tribute of the British communities in Chile, Peru and Bolivia during the Great War 1914-1918”. Entries typically give the man’s name, regiment, place of residence and a brief summary of service but in some cases include only the most basic information such as this entry for E Barth of Punta Arenas who “was employed at sheep farming when he left Punta Arenas to serve with the Forces.”

Other entries, like those for the Beecheno twins, are far more detailed, run to several paragraphs and include a photo. James Herbert and William Beecheno were born in Chile in 1897. Second Lieutenant James Beecheno died of wounds whilst serving with the 13th King's Royal Rifle Corps on the 25th October 1918. His brother, Lieutenant William Beecheno, served with the Royal Garrison Artillery and survived the war. Portraits of both brothers appear in this volume.

For more information about the Historic Records Roll of Honour collection, and to explore licensing options, please contact us.