Christmas time in 1940, really was an explosive one, and on the evening of the 29th and 30th December, Luftwaffe, Germany’s powerful Air force, launched a devastating raid on London. Named the Blitz, during the raid 130 Heinkel HE111s aircraft dropped 10,
WW2 Italian Prisoner of War Camp Records Released
Forces War Records are have exclusively released records from Italian prisoner of war camps. These records can now be viewed in our archives.
November 13th 1941 – HMS Ark Royal hit by Torpedo And Sunk
HMS Ark Royal (pennant number 91 (1937-1941)) was the first purpose built large aircraft carrier to be completed for the Royal Navy, and one of the most famous warships of WWII, part of her fame came from repeated German claims to have sunk her. Ark Roya
Lizzie the Elephant in WW1
What a strange scene it must have looked — an elephant pulling a cart up and down the cobbled streets of Sheffield. It might have looked like the circus was in town, but this exotic beast was actually playing a big part in helping Britain during the First
WWI Wounded Records – WW1 Shrapnel Wounds & Injuries
World War I resulted in huge losses of life with an estimated 10 million military deaths and another 20 million injured. Cenotaphs remember nearly a million British soldiers who died in World War One and more than twice as many were injured — however, the
Animals, Mascots and Pets in WW2
A little-known part of this piece of history is that many pets were adopted by British troops
Special Operations Executive Records – Sabotage & Espionage
During the Second World War there were many people in the occupied lands who were prepared to resist the Germans and the job of the SOE was to locate people who could resist the Germans and also send agents in to help the resistance movements
WWII D-Day Paradummys – Fake Parachutists
Sheds can be a haven for men of certain age — perhaps that is why an old WWII D-Day dummy chose to make its home there?
The Role Of Dogs In WW1 Trenches – Dogs in World War One
It wasn’t just soldiers who deserved commendation for their bravery in the trenches. Dogs, horses, pigeons and many other animals served too. We will remember them.
Just started your family tree? Read these useful tips…
Britain has a rich military history meaning that there is a wealth of records created as a result of various conflicts, battles and wars. Most of us will come across military-serving ancestors…