The database comprises more than 128,000 records
15 July 2023 marked the 101st anniversary of the Machine Gun Corps disbandment. The Machine Gun Corps was an influential unit of the British Army formed by Royal Warrant on 14 October 1915, which at its peak comprised nearly 160,000 officers and men. Responsible for operating the British Army’s Vickers Machine Guns, seven of the Corps’ members were Victoria Cross recipients and more than 12,000 were killed during the First World War. The Corps was disbanded in July 1922 but its legacy has survived through the machine gunners of the British Army.
Thanks to Graham’s hard work and generosity, the Association can now offer access to the database, with more than 128,000 records. This open access via the National Archives’ Discovery Catalogue makes it easy to find MGC soldier information in a ‘one-stop shop’ alongside the war diaries, medal index cards and many other records from institutions around the country.
The database is freely accessible and searchable through the Discovery catalogue of the National Archives at https:// discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk