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First aiders became the backbone of civilian defence during World War 2 in Britain, providing immediate medical care and comfort to those in need. Their contribution was not just a matter of duty but an embodiment of resilience and compassion during a crisis.How did these everyday heroes transform into the lifeline of their communities during one of Britain's darkest hours? The role of British first aid posts in the Second World War: As bombs rained down on cities, first aid…

Background warriors on the home front. Thousands of men and women volunteered to keep Britain's home fires burning as part of the Special Constabulary during World War 2. With their distinctive uniforms and steadfast dedication, they became the backbone of civilian safety during wartime. But what exactly did special constables do, and why have their stories been overshadowed by the more celebrated tales of bravery?As bombs rained down on cities and towns, Britain faced unprecedented challenges in maintaining law and…

Intense fear and uncertainty at every turn. The threat of aerial bombardment looming large. Entire cities steeped in darkness and gas masks fast becoming the must-have accessory. The dangers of wartime Britain prompted a series of measures known as Air Raid Precautions. These efforts transformed everyday life, testing the nation's collective resilience and ingenuity like never before. But what exactly were Air Raid Precautions in Britain during the Second World War? The start of Second World War Air Raid Precautions:…

Life in 1940s Britain was tough. Families were torn apart by World War 2, many for the second time in as many generations. Not to mention the Blitz, food rationing, evacuation and general wartime anxiety. It all adds up to a very bleak period in the country's history.Yet, even amid such adversity, ‘keep calm and carry on’ was the order of the day. The war effort on the Home Front was stronger than ever and rural communities opened their doors…

D-Day was one of the most significant actions of the Second World War. An event that played a crucial role in the liberation of western Europe and the demise of Nazi Germany.  Codenamed, Operation Overlord, D-Day, was and still is the greatest military invasion mankind has ever seen. Over 150,000 troops from the United States, Great Britain, Canada, India and more took part, launching from the UK, landing via airdrops or on the beaches of Normandy to gain a foothold in…

Available for free on all Android and iOS devices, the Findmypast mobile app is designed to help you find your ancestors and build your family tree with just a tap and a swipe, wherever you are in the world. We know that convenience is key in this day and age, which is why we want to make sure that you can review hints, search records, and access helpful guides on-the-go. But what does the Findmypast app offer? Grow your family:…

Where did your family live in 1939? What were they doing, and what was life like in their community and the country at the time? The 1939 Register can answer all those questions for you. The 1939 Register is one of the most important genealogical resources of the 20th century, and it's crucial for all family historians. It's a comprehensive survey which provides a valuable snapshot of England and Wales on the cusp of World War II. With the 1931 Census being destroyed in…

Christopher Nolan's blockbuster film Dunkirk tells the story of one of history's most daring military feats. Operation Dynamo saw the combined effort of civilians and the armed forces to evacuate over 300,000 stranded allied troops from a beach in France during the Second World War.Like so many British families, the film's cast have connections to a military past, as discovered in Findmypast's extensive records. Harry Styles' great-grandfather: One Direction singer Harry Styles made his acting debut in Dunkirk, perhaps inspired…

Getting started with searching Findmypast's records is easy. Our billions of individual records are divided into categories. Here's a summary of what you can expect to find in each of those collections and how they'll help your family research. Birth, marriage, death & parish records: This is one of the categories of records you'll probably use most often. These records, commonly known as BMDs, detail the most important events in your ancestors' lives and are essential for every family historian. Parish…