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Tag: OccupationsTag: Second World WarTag: Getting StartedTag: BattlesTag: Migration

Tag: occupationsTag: second world warTag: getting-startedTag: battlesTag: migration

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How the Royal Navy steered Britain through the First World War

by Findmypast

30 July 2019

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…

An old photo of a soldier with poppy and medal graphics

Discovering the stories hidden behind Britain’s First and Second World War memorials

by Ellie Ayton

19 November 2020

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…

Siblings Albert and Daisy Bance embracing

They spent 80 years apart: family history brought them back together

by Ellie Ayton

21 September 2026

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…

The women of the Industrial Revolution forgotten by the history books

by Ellie Ayton

1 September 2026

When we picture the Industrial Revolution, we tend to imagine scorching blast furnaces, foundries worked by men, and the famous bridge stretching across Ironbridge Gorge. And yet, across places like Coalport, Broseley, and Jackfield, women spent long days in factories, workshops and family businesses. They painted delicate china by hand, packed goods for transport, made pipes, raised families and helped keep household finances afloat. Their work shaped the communities around them, yet many have largely disappeared from popular histories of…

The unsung roles of women during the Second World War

by Daisy Goddard

12 February 2026

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:…

Ratings and an officer playing cards aboard a Royal Navy submarine

Step into life aboard a Second World War Royal Navy submarine

by Ellie Ayton

22 December 2025

Imagine yourself living inside a large steel cylinder, lit by electricity, with an endless network of pipes and cables decorating the walls. All around the cylinder is water, exerting such pressure that it threatens to crush the manmade hull. It's a maze of complicated machinery, home to anywhere from 30 to 60 men with nerves of steel. It’s a stark image, 250 ft below the surface - one that was a reality for the submariners of the Royal Navy. History’s first Royal Navy submarines:…

Local Home Front heroes: The brave air raid warden who rescued a blind woman

by Ellie Ayton

28 October 2025

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…

The real story of the Battle of Trafalgar

by Charlotte Ward-Kelly

21 October 2025

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…

Remembering the bravery of John Cruickshank, the last WW2 Victoria Cross recipient

by Ellie Ayton

19 August 2025

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.…

VE Day celebrations on the streets of London, 1945

VE Day at 80: are we forgetting the day that changed Europe forever?

by Ellie Ayton

7 May 2025

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…

Explore posts

How the Royal Navy steered Britain through the First World War

Discovering the stories hidden behind Britain’s First and Second World War memorials

They spent 80 years apart: family history brought them back together

The women of the Industrial Revolution forgotten by the history books

The unsung roles of women during the Second World War

Step into life aboard a Second World War Royal Navy submarine

Local Home Front heroes: The brave air raid warden who rescued a blind woman

The real story of the Battle of Trafalgar

Remembering the bravery of John Cruickshank, the last WW2 Victoria Cross recipient

VE Day at 80: are we forgetting the day that changed Europe forever?

How the Royal Navy steered Britain through the First World War

Discovering the stories hidden behind Britain’s First and Second World War memorials

They spent 80 years apart: family history brought them back together

The women of the Industrial Revolution forgotten by the history books

The unsung roles of women during the Second World War

Step into life aboard a Second World War Royal Navy submarine

Local Home Front heroes: The brave air raid warden who rescued a blind woman

The real story of the Battle of Trafalgar

Remembering the bravery of John Cruickshank, the last WW2 Victoria Cross recipient

VE Day at 80: are we forgetting the day that changed Europe forever?

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