Articles by Daisy Goddard

When we explore the history books of the First and Second World Wars, we read about the great battles, the brave soldiers, and the pivotal moments. It's the same at school. But behind the scenes, keeping the home fires burning, were skilled, dedicated women who stepped up to fill men's traditional shoes.Here, we delve into the work – both paid and voluntary – undertaken by the British women of the Second World War.Joining the war effort on the home front

In 1914, Britain was the only European power without a conscripted army. Manpower could sway the outcome of the war, so there was no issue more pressing than that of military recruitment. This is where Pals battalions came into play, changing the course of the war and the communities they left behind.What were Pals battalions? The idea came from General Sir Henry Rawlinson, who believed that men would be more likely to enlist if they could serve alongside their friends.

We're diving into all-things Suffolk this week, with 575,174 new parish burial, marriage and burial records spanning over 100 years. From Lowestoft to Lavenham, these additions can help you to trace the milestones of your ancestors' lives in vivid detail. Discover where they were baptised, who they married, and even what is inscribed on their grave. We also added five new titles to our newspaper archive this week.Suffolk BaptismsThis week's biggest update consists of 354,307 new Suffolk baptism records from the

This week, we're delighted to announce that we've added over 1.3 million records from the island of Guernsey. From parish baptisms to civil deaths, censuses and land records, these additions offer a vivid insight into the lives of Guernsey's people from the 16th century to the present day. We've also bolstered our newspaper archive with three new Channel Island titles. There are so many fascinating stories to uncover.Guernsey Parish recordsKey to unlocking the Guernsey branches of your family tree,

During the darkest days of the Second World War, as sirens wailed and the drone of enemy bombers filled the night sky, brave volunteers stood on the frontline of civil defence.  Armed not with rifles, but with whistles, helmets, and torches, Britain’s air raid wardens were charged with protecting their fellow citizens from relentless bombing attacks. Acting decisively, they enforced blackout regulations, performed first aid and guided people to safety during air raids. By 1941, over 1.4 million men and women had

Amidst the deafening roar of bombs, the wail of air raid sirens rang out through the night. Fires erupted across Britain's cities, turning well-trodden streets into dangerous infernos. While soldiers fought on distant battlefields, another group of heroes waged a war of their very own - a mission to protect civilians from German attacks on the home front. These unsung heroes belonged to the Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS). Battling smoke and exhaustion, they put out fires in streets that had been

As the Beach Boys sing in their much-loved festive tune Little Saint Nick, 'Christmas comes this time each year'. But have you ever stopped to question the origins of our festive season? Why was 25 December chosen for Christmas Day, and not November or January, for example? The answer has to do with the birth date of Jesus Christ. His birthday has been the source of ongoing debate, starting in the Roman Empire and continuing into the 21st century. The date 25

For eight months, relentless German bomb raids brought terror to cities and towns across Britain. Entire neighbourhoods were reduced to rubble. Fires raged, painting the sky an ominous orange. By dawn, the survivors emerged from their shelters to scenes of unimaginable devastation – streets flattened, homes destroyed, and lives forever changed. Amidst the chaos, ordinary people displayed extraordinary resilience. Families banded together, neighbours shared food, and communities rebuilt in whatever ways they could. This was life during the Blitz: a time

Did you know that two-thirds of Britons haven’t researched an ancestor who served in the World Wars? We did the maths, and this means that a staggering 1.18 million wartime stories stand to be lost to future generations.  Family history provides a way to discover and preserve the experiences of our ancestors who lived through World War 1 and World War 2.  Commemorating our ancestors’ bravery shouldn’t be confined to Remembrance Day. Here at Findmypast, we’re on a mission to ensure that no

As with any military cemetery, the St Symphorien military cemetery near Mons in Belgium tells the harrowing stories of men who lost their lives too soon. There are 284 German and 229 Commonwealth soldiers buried at St Symphorien – but two of these men are linked by a strange coincidence.  They were the first and last British soldiers to be killed in the First World War. As revealed by our military and census records, these are their stories.  John Parr: the first British