Explore Your Heritage
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Discover Military History
At Sword and Scroll, we delve into the rich tapestry of military history and genealogy. Our resources will help you uncover the stories of your ancestors especially those who served in the armed forces. Come on the journey as we discover your Military Genealogy!
Our Mission
Interesting Characters
Our Mission
At Sword and Scroll, we are committed to researching your origins, how your came to be in Australia and where your family came from.
History
Interesting Characters
Our Mission
We are dedicated to researching your family origins, where they came from, what they did for a living, what major events happened in their lives, when they died and where they are interned.
Interesting Characters
Interesting Characters
Interesting Characters
We know that each family is unique and indivuals within those families make up the whole story, whether there are first nations stories, convict adventures, life on the goldfields, Bushrangers or notable peoples, we will endeavour to tell your families story to the highest standards.
What Services do we offer at Sword and Scroll
Genealogy
Genealogy
Genealogy is the study of family lineage and ancestral history. It involves tracing the descent of individuals or families through generations, uncovering names, dates, relationships, and stories that connect the past to the present.
At its heart, genealogy is more than just building a family tree—it's about understanding where we come from, preserving legacies, and honoring the lives and sacrifices of those who came before us. Whether through historical documents, military records, oral histories, or DNA analysis, genealogy helps us piece together the narratives that shape our identity.
History
Genealogy
Historical research is the systematic investigation of past events, people, and contexts to understand how they shaped the present. It involves analyzing primary sources—such as letters, diaries, military records, photographs, and official documents—as well as secondary sources like scholarly articles and biographies.
This method goes beyond collecting facts; it interprets the motivations, consequences, and cultural significance of historical phenomena. Whether you're uncovering the life of a soldier, tracing the evolution of a community, or exploring national milestones, historical research helps reconstruct the narrative with accuracy and empathy.
At Sword & Scroll, historical research is the backbone of our work. It allows us to honor legacies, correct forgotten details, and bring depth to genealogical profiles—especially those tied to Australia’s military and colonial past.
Military History
Military history is the study of armed conflict and its impact on societies, cultures, and nations throughout time. It explores the causes, conduct, and consequences of war—from battlefield tactics and leadership to the broader social, political, and technological shifts that wars provoke.
This discipline includes:
- Campaigns and battles: Understanding how conflicts unfolded and were resolved.
- Military institutions: Examining the evolution of armies, navies, and air forces.
- Strategy and doctrine: Analyzing how military thinking has changed over centuries.
- Personal stories: Honoring the experiences of soldiers, commanders, and civilians affected by war.
At Sword & Scroll, military history is not just about dates and battles—it's about legacy. We uncover the lives of those who served, especially within the Australian context, and connect their stories to the broader tapestry of national and global history.
Military Genealogy
Military genealogy is the specialized study of ancestral military service. It combines traditional family history research with military records to uncover the stories of individuals who served in armed forces across generations.
This field explores:
- Service records: Enlistment, deployments, ranks, and discharge details.
- Unit histories: Contextualizing your ancestor’s role within broader campaigns.
- Medals and commendations: Honoring achievements and sacrifices.
- Pension and repatriation files: Revealing post-service life and legacy.
- Personal correspondence and diaries: Offering intimate glimpses into wartime experiences.
At Sword & Scroll, military genealogy is more than data—it’s about restoring identity, preserving memory, and connecting families to Australia’s national story. Whether your ancestor was a Gallipoli veteran, a peacekeeper in East Timor, or a bushranger turned soldier, we help you trace their footsteps and bring their legacy to life.
Who is Sword and Scroll
Who is Sword and Scroll
Richard Salcole is not just a researcher—he’s a custodian of memory, a veteran with 30 years of military service, and a passionate advocate for preserving Australia’s military heritage.
- Lifelong Passion: Richard’s journey into genealogy began at the age of 12, sparked by a curiosity about his own family’s military service. Decades later, that passion continues to grow—now backed by formal training, field experience, and a deep commitment to honoring legacy.
- Lived Experience: With 28 years in the Royal Australian Air Force and deployments to East Timor, the Middle East, and the UK, Richard brings firsthand insight into the realities of service. His own lineage includes veterans from both World Wars and First Nations ancestry, giving him a personal connection to Australia’s military past.
- Academic Credentials: Richard holds a Graduate Diploma in Arts (Military History) from the University of New South Wales and a Graduate Certificate in Family and Community History from Charles Sturt University—equipping him with both the analytical rigor and historical context to deliver exceptional research.
- Professional Expertise: As the founder of Sword & Scroll, Richard blends military precision with genealogical passion. He specializes in archival research, service records, mapping, and legacy documentation—tailored to honor your family’s unique journey.
- Legacy-Driven Mission: Richard’s work is not just about facts—it’s about restoring identity, preserving memory, and connecting generations. Whether your ancestor was a bushranger turned soldier, a Gallipoli veteran, or a quiet hero of the home front, he ensures their story is told with dignity and depth.