Service, salt, and sweat. Danger and dedication. Here, we take a look at the fascinating history of the Royal Navy's epic - and brutal - participation in the First World War.The Royal Navy, proudly known as the Senior Service, traces its lineage to the 16th century and is deeply rooted in national identity. It protected colonies, guarded coastlines and kept trade routes open. For generations, families sent their sons to sea with pride.As we follow the Navy's history during the…
Family history doesn’t just have to be about our own relatives. Many of us research for friends, colleagues or people in our local communities, helping to bring forgotten stories back to life.Four members of the Findmypast Community made some incredible discoveries about their local war memorials. Here’s what they uncovered about these lives marked by conflict. A hidden Second World War story: Community member Patricia used to be in the Women’s Royal Air Force. She decided to research a…
The First World War upended thousands of families. For one Surrey family, a soldier's disappearance on the battlefield slowly unravelled an entire household, scattering its children across institutions, counties and, eventually, an ocean. Nearly a century later, family history records helped stitch those pieces back together. An ordinary family: In 1911, carpenter Albert Edward Bance married Caroline Ratcliff in Surrey. Within a few years they had three children: Frances Elizabeth, Daisy Maud, and Albert Edward. The family of five never appeared…
At the start of the nineteenth century, Britain and France were locked in a deadly contest for control of Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte’s armies dominated the continent, but Britain’s command of the seas was the one thing standing between him and total power. Historical background: tensions mounting: At the start of the nineteenth century, Britain and France were locked in a deadly contest for control of Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte’s armies dominated the continent, but Britain’s command of the seas was the…
Family history isn’t just names and dates. It’s real people, real lives, and often, unexpected truths.If you’ve ever thought about starting your family tree, or you’re thinking about returning to it, a little inspiration might be all you need.Sometimes all it takes is one record, one photograph, or even one conversation to completely transform your understanding of your family and the lives of those who came before you. “My ancestor was a survivor”: One quiet evening, Amanda was…
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…
Last year, we took a member of our community on an epic journey to trace the footsteps of her 2x great-grandmother Janet. We traced Janet’s life – from her birth in 1830 up to her life as a ship captain in Liverpool by the 1860s – and uncovered a tale of tragedy and perseverance. Watch Finding Janet.We’re back with yet another moving real-life tale. Growing up, Laura Collins knew that her great-grandfather Eli had lost an arm during the First World War.…
Over Ireland’s history, famine and hardship has forced countless families to make heartwrenching goodbyes, as loved ones travelled overseas to chase new fortunes in foreign lands. The Irish story is one of migration and resilience. This is reflected in a fact that may surprise you: more people of Irish heritage live outside of Ireland than within it. Over 80 million people worldwide claim Irish ancestry. Whether they fled the devastation of the Great Famine or sought out religious freedom overseas, your…
Delving into our family history is a journey that connects us to our roots, allowing us to understand the stories and experiences that have shaped our identity. In the digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in aiding researchers, and one tool that's gaining prominence is ChatGPT. In this blog post, we'll explore what ChatGPT is, its limitations, and how it can be a valuable asset in the realm of family history research. What is ChatGPT?: ChatGPT is a state-of-the-art…
Millions of men fought against Napoleon for Britain, on land and at sea, and took part in famous battles and campaigns including the Battle of Waterloo, the Battle of Trafalgar, the Battle of Leipzig, and the Peninsular War. This beginner's guide to our Napoleonic War records will help you to determine whether your forebear was involved in these historic events. From medal rolls to navy log books, Findmypast has the records you need to unlock all manner of exciting family…