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In August 1940, Britain's cities were under constant threat of enemy attack. Amidst the darkness of blackouts, Luftwaffe bombs lit up the sky.As homes, factories and schools were destroyed, volunteers like air-raid-precaution (ARP) wardens and auxiliary firemen offered up their spare time to protect the public.Anderson and Morrison shelters were as much a part of everyday life as rationing, and it was up to ARP wardens to ensure people reached them safely.It’s estimated that over 60,000 civilians were killed…

Imagine the thundering beat of an excited heart as your great-grandfather signed his enlistment papers, after waiting in line for hours with his friends. That thunder would soon become gunfire in the trenches.By examining his experiences, we can paint a richer picture of what life was like for the average First World War soldier, affectionately known as 'Tommy'.Many of us have a First World War ancestor in our family tree. Stories may have been passed down in your…

John Cruickshank’s story is one of bravery, determination and sacrifice. A Second World War pilot, he helped to defend British vessels in the Norwegian Sea at significant cost to himself. Then, he flew while seriously injured to help his remaining crew make it safely home.With his passing, a living link to one of history’s most defining chapters is gone. But we can still keep his story alive. What is the Victoria Cross?: The Victoria Cross is no ordinary medal.…

It’s vital we remember moments that shaped our nation’s history. The Second World War affected every family, every street.Eight decades later, how are we remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice, those who made it home, and those who lived through a country under the shadow of warfare?Here at Findmypast, we’re striving to ensure every story is remembered. But we all may have some work to do, as worrying stats show that VE Day might be falling out…

In September 1939, Britain braced itself for war.Civilians faced blackouts, rationing, and loss, but a strong spirit of resilience began to emerge. While men went to war, women stepped into vital roles, united in a national fight for freedom and survival.Ethel Patricia Owtram was just a teenager when she stepped into one of the Second World War’s most secretive roles. From 1942, she served as a special duties linguist in the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS), intercepting German radio transmissions,…

Ghosts moving through the French streets and countryside. Coded messages carried with care. Brave souls aiming, with every careful move, to turn the tide of war. Deeds that largely went unnoticed as war raged on.By day, these women were ghosts in plain sight, hands steady as they passed coded messages in bustling cafés, eyes unreadable beneath the brims of their hats. By night, they became shadows slipping through war-torn streets, the moonlight glinting off wire cutters and radio dials.…

In 1940, Britain was living under the long shadow of the Second World War. Rationing was the norm, everyone carried an identity card, and loved ones marched off to fight.It’s no wonder the Dunkleys of Ramsgate, an ordinary family, longed for a peaceful break. But where would William, Olive, and their son go for a spot of R & R? Young Leonard, aged 19, chose Guernsey – the family already had fond memories of the Channel Islands from a previous visit.Little did…

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…

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…