About nominal rolls
On this page
- Purpose
- What is a Nominal Roll?
- Who is included on a Nominal Roll?
- How is a Nominal Roll compiled?
- What if my name is not shown on a Nominal Roll?
- What if I do not want my name on a Roll?
- Can I change the information on a Roll?
- Can I get a copy of my military service record?
- Nominal Roll Enquiries
- Related Forms
Purpose
This page explains what a Nominal Roll is, what information it contains and how it is constructed.
Back to topWhat is a Nominal Roll?
A Nominal Roll is a list of the names of veterans who have served in a particular conflict in which Australia has participated. A Nominal Roll can also provide a 'snapshot' of each individual veteran’s military service by displaying a range of information that has been gathered from documents in his or her military service record. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs publishes online Nominal Rolls for World War Two, Korean War, Vietnam War and the First Gulf War. They can be accessed on the Nominal Rolls page of the DVA website.
Back to topWho is included on a Nominal Roll?
The answer varies depending on the eligibility criteria used when each Roll was created. For example, the criteria for the World War Two Nominal Roll include all those who enlisted into the military services during a defined period. For other conflicts, the veteran must have been allotted for service and served within the defined operational area for that conflict.
Back to topHow is a Nominal Roll compiled?
Each Nominal Roll is compiled by extracting data from original Department of Defence service records. However, other archival material from the period held by the Department of Defence or other institutions (such as the National Archives of Australia or the Australian War Memorial) is used where relevant information is not available from service records.
Back to topWhat if my name is not shown on a Nominal Roll?
The Department is aware that some names are not currently displayed on a Nominal Roll. Please send your details to the Nominal Rolls team. It will help if you include as much military service details as possible. Contact details are available below.
Back to topWhat if I do not want my name on a Roll?
Before a Nominal Roll is published, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs advertises the impending publication in national newspapers and invites veterans who do not wish to have their name displayed to advise the Department.
At any time after a Roll is published, a veteran or a person with the right to act on their behalf can write to the Department and advise that their details should be removed from the published Roll. Contact details are available below. A relative or friend acting on behalf of a veteran would need to include documentary proof of their right to act for the veteran, such as an enduring power of attorney.
Back to topCan I change the information on a Roll?
You can request corrections to a Roll if you think the information is inaccurate. The Department is able to correct entries where the information was transcribed incorrectly from the original Department of Defence service records. Contact details are available below.
Back to topCan I get a copy of my military service record?
The National Archives of Australia holds records about service in the Australian defence forces from Federation in 1901. The National Archives will advise you how to request copies. Information is available on the Archives’ Service Records page.
Back to topNominal Roll Enquiries
The Director
Nominal Rolls
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
GPO Box 9998
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Phone: 1300 780 133 *
Email: nominal.rolls [at] dva.gov.au (nominal[dot]rolls[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au)
* Calls from mobile phones and pay phones may incur additional charges.
Back to topRelated Forms
D0005 Variation of a published Nominal Roll
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