Search Tips
Connecting Records to the Right Individual
Fragments has been designed to help researchers locate the correct individual in historical military records. Because many people share similar names, the search tool works best when you provide as much information as possible.
The tips below will help you get the most accurate results.
1. Start with the Surname
The Surname field is required when searching the database.
The system accepts:
- Standard surnames (e.g. Smith)
- Hyphenated surnames (e.g. Smith-Jones)
- Names with contractions (e.g. O’Connell)
- Multi-word surnames (e.g. Du Bois)
Searching with the correct spelling of the surname is the best starting point.
2. Add at Least One Additional Detail
In addition to the surname, you must provide at least one other search field.
You can use:
- Service Number
- Initials
- First Name
- Unit
Providing more than one additional field will help narrow the results and reduce the number of possible matches.
3. Use the Service Number if You Know It
The Service Number is one of the most accurate ways to locate a specific individual.
If you know the service number, include it in your search. This can often return the exact record immediately.
4. Searching for Officers
Many officers did not have service numbers.
If you are searching for an officer and the service number is unknown, use the Blank Service Number option.
This allows the search system to include records where the service number field is empty.
5. Try Different Search Combinations
Historical records are not always consistent, and some details may vary between documents.
If your first search does not find the correct person, try:
- Searching with just the surname and initials
- Searching with surname and unit
- Searching with surname and first name
- Removing some search fields to broaden the search
Sometimes a broader search will help you locate the correct individual.
6. Expect Multiple Matches
Many soldiers share the same surname and initials.
If your search returns several possible matches, review the available information carefully before selecting a record.
Once you select a person, the Gatekeeper screen will show what information is available in the Basic and Comprehensive reports before you purchase a report.
7. Confirm the Correct Person Before Generating a Report
Before purchasing a report, make sure the person you selected matches the individual you are researching.
Check available information such as: service number , initials or first names, unit, known historical details
This will help ensure you generate the correct report.
8. Free Searches vs Paid Reports
Searching the database to locate a person is free.
However, detailed information is provided through Basic Reports or Comprehensive Reports, which require credits.
Only paid reports are saved in your account for future access.
9. Reports Can Be Accessed for 12 Months
Once you generate a report, it will remain available in your account for 12 months.
During this time you can return and view the report as many times as you like at no additional cost.
10. Upgrading to a Comprehensive Report
If you initially generate a Basic Report, you can upgrade it to a Comprehensive Report within the 12-month period.
You only pay the difference in price, and the upgraded report will then be available for 12 months from the upgrade date.
A Final Note
Fragments is the result of over 47 years of research and archival work. While we have taken great care to compile and link records accurately, historical archives are never perfect.
If you believe you have found an error or have additional information that could improve a record, we welcome your feedback.