Animals have provided a vital service to the armed forces for centuries, from delivering messages to carrying ammunition or offering companionship. 80 years ago, their bravery was recognised for the first time…
Letters from my ancestor: discovering a WWI story
We asked the Forces War Records community to share letters from their military ancestors, and you didn’t disappoint. In our latest blog, Letters from my ancestor, we explore the letters of Cecil…
7 essential military records for discovering navy ancestors
Britain has a strong maritime tradition, and you may have navy ancestors waiting to be discovered. But how do you uncover details of your ancestors’ service with the Royal Navy, and what…
Researching WWII ancestors: overcoming the challenges
Why can researching WWII ancestors be so challenging? Military Genealogist Simon Pearce tackles the question and provides advice on how to make meaningful discoveries. Intro Many of us have family members who…
Researching evacuees of WWII: is it possible?
Many of us will be familiar with images of WWII evacuee children lined up on train station platforms, luggage in tow, with name tags affixed to their coats, about to head off…
Story behind the image: smoke floats and WWII rescues
In the above photo, munitions workers at a factory in the south of England stack smoke floats for aircraft in October 1941, ready for despatch. These curious-looking items played an important role…
Royal Artillery Tracer Cards: what are they, and how can they help you with your research?
Our UK, WWII, Royal Artillery Tracer Cards, 1939-1948 collection is a must for anyone wishing to piece together the movements of an ancestor who served with the Royal Artillery during WWII. The…
VJ Day 2023: a prisoner of war story
With VJ Day at the forefront of our thoughts, we highlight a community story and key steps for researching your ancestors who served in the Far East during WWII. What is VJ…
Researching British Army ancestors during the Victorian era
Researching British Army ancestors in the Victorian era – is it possible? Perhaps you are curious to learn about any ancestors who donned the red coat of the British Army during Queen…
Who Do You Think You Are?: Episode 8 – Chris Ramsey’s navy ancestors
Episode eight of series 20 of Who Do You Think You Are? explored the family history of comedian Chris Ramsey. The episode had a strong naval theme and revealed Chris’s family connection…