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…
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:…
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:…
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…
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…
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.…