Welcome to the Family History Social

TheGenealogist is proud to announce the release of the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC): Losses Database on its website. This significant collection honours the men and women who served and died while supporting Bomber Command operations.

The IBCC Losses Database includes detailed records of over 67,000 Bomber Command casualties, capturing personal details, aircraft information, missions, and circumstances of death. This fully searchable resource allows family historians, researchers, and aviation enthusiasts to access an unparalleled level of detail about those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom.

The records link on to the IBCC database, compiled from over 6.2 Million pieces of data, giving an incredible amount of information for each individual, often including a photo.

• 67,140 Records

• Covers 1936 to 1968

• Gives over 100,000 names of Parents, Spouses, Siblings and Children

• SmartSearch links to our AIR 27 Operations Record Books (ORBs), which can provide details of the fateful mission where the crew member lost their life

149 Squadron at RAF Mildenhall with a Wellington Bomber

Among the notable entries in the database is Percy Charles Pickard, the legendary RAF officer known for leading the daring Amiens prison raid in 1944. His inclusion in the records offers a poignant reminder of the bravery and sacrifice that marked the RAF’s wartime efforts. You can read his remarkable story here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2025/target-for-tonight-8696/ 

Mark Bayley, Head of Online Content at TheGenealogist, said:
"This is a moving record collection that sheds light on those who served in one of the most dangerous roles of the Second World War. We’re making this release free to everyone as a tribute to the Bomber Command staff and crew who paid the ultimate price."

The IBCC Losses Database is now available for free for all registered users. Sign up for your free account at https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/account/signup/

Over one million Royal Hospital Chelsea Prize Records from The National Archives are now online for the first time

TheGenealogist, a leading UK family history research website, is proud to announce the release of the Royal Hospital Chelsea: Prize Records from The National Archives (Reference WO 164). This newly digitised collection contains more than one million entries detailing the distribution of military prize money from 1720 to 1899, offering an unprecedented window into the financial rewards granted to soldiers, staff and their families for success in battle.

When British forces captured enemy property or territory, the spoils (or their monetary value) were pooled and allocated to the officers and men as "prize" rewards. These records describe their allocation, whether to the soldiers themselves or a relative.

Will Butler, Head of Modern Collections and Military Records Specialist at The National Archives, says “These records shed fascinating light on British military campaigns during the late 18th and 19th centuries. When the surviving military records for individuals can be so tricky to piece together, this series will be an invaluable addition to those interested in researching their military ancestors or those who served in the British armed forces during the period”.

The Duke of Wellington’s Prize for the Battle of Waterloo

"These Prize Records offer a fascinating glimpse into an often-overlooked aspect of military history," said Mark Bayley, Head of Online Content at TheGenealogist. "For family historians with ancestors who served in campaigns including the Peninsular War and the Battle of Waterloo, these records can provide crucial missing links in their research."

An Essential Resource for Tracing Military Ancestors

• The collection spans 663 volumes and 1,064,391 records across more than 172,000 high resolution colour images.

• The documents detail the entitlements to shares in war prizes from campaigns between 1720 and 1899.

• Records cover significant wars such as the latter years of the American Revolutionary War, the Battle of Waterloo and the Peninsular War, as well as smaller skirmishes.

• Not only do these records contain names of the soldiers, but they can also list a relative applying for the prize and an address.

• The records are fully searchable by Name of the Applicant and Soldier, Rank, Regiment, Date, Location, War and Keywords.

The collection primarily consists of registers of unclaimed shares, with entries documenting when claims were eventually settled and noting the recipients.

The collection also contains warrants, correspondence, quarterly accounts and other miscellaneous documents that provide contextual information about the prize distribution process. Many registers remained open for decades after the original payments, listing relatives that claimed the prizes long after the military campaign they were awarded for.

These records are now available to Diamond subscribers of TheGenealogist, adding to its comprehensive collection of military records.

The military hero Henry William Paget can be found in this release - read his story here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2025/new-records-reveal-lord-uxbridge-and-his-leg-8310/

Wars covered in this release are: American Revolutionary War; Anglo-Indian Wars; Anglo-Spanish War 1796-1808; Anglo-Turkish War 1807-1809; Coorg War; Crimean War; First Anglo-Afghan War; First Anglo-Burmese War; Second Anglo-Burmese War; Second Anglo-Maratha War; Second Anglo-Sinkh War; Second Egyptian-Ottoman War; Second Kandyan War; Second Opium War; Fourth Anglo-Dutch War; Fourth Anglo-Mysore War; French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars; Peninsula War; Sixty Years War; Third Anglo-Maratha War; War of 1812; War of the Second Coalition; War of the Fifth Coalition; War of the Sixth Coalition; War of the Seventh Coalition

Battles, Campaigns and actions covered in this release are: 1st and 2nd Campaigns of the Second Anglo-Maratha War; Adriatic Campaign 1807-1814; Battle of Copenhagen; Battle of Martinique, Capture of St Lucia and the Invasion of Guadeloupe during the War of the First Coalition; Battle of Meeanee (Miani); Battle of Ogdensburg during the War of 1812; Battle of Saldanha Bay; Battle of San Fernando de Omoa; British annexation of Malacca by British East India Company; British conquest of India; British East India Company defense against piracy; British invasions of the River Plate during Anglo-Spanish War 1796-1808; Capture of Banda Neira, Great Banda and Pulau Aly Islands; Capture of Demerara, Essequibo, and Berbice; Capture of Forts Castel Nuovo and Espagnole during the Adriatic Campaign 1807-1814; Capture of Ponza; Capture of Sint Eustatius; Capture of St Lucia; Caribbean Campaign 1803-1810; Central India Campaign; Chesapeake Bay Campaign; Chesapeake Campaign during the War of 1812; Conquest of Scinde; Frontiers of Niagara - Burlington Heights, Fort Schlosser, Stoney Creek, Beaver Dam during the War of 1812; Haitian Revolution; Helder Expedition of the Anglo-Russian Invasion of Holland during the War of the Second Coalition; Indian Rebellion of 1857; Invasion of Ceylon (Sri Lanka); Invasion of Corsica; Invasion of Danish West Indies; Invasion of Guadeloupe; Invasion of Isle de France during the Mauritius campaign of 1809–1811; Invasion of Java; Invasion of Naples during the War of the Third Coalition; Invasion of the Cape Colony; Java Campaign 1806-1807; Mediterranean Campaign during the War of the Second Coalition; Persian Gulf campaign of 1819; Raid on Port of Saint-Paul during the Mauritius campaign of 1809–1811; Second Capture of Serampure during the English Wars; Siege of Bharatpur; Siege of Pondicherry; Siege of Santa Maura during the Adriatic Campaign 1807-1814; Siege of Seringapatam; Siege of Tarragona; Surrender of Tranquebar during the English Wars; Taiping Rebellion; Various campaigns covering Banda, Broach, Buenos Aires, Cape, Colombo and its Dependencies, Copenhagen, Diamenti, Egypt, Fort Biugura, Guadaloupe, Helder, Isle of France, Java, Monte Video, Martinique, Niagara, Pondicherry, Port au Prince, St Lucia, Senegal, Symons Bay, St. Martins, Tobago, Trinidad, Walcheron, Waterloo and Paris; Various encounters including the capture of French Ships off Gorée Island of the Brig 'Diligence', the Schooner 'Triton', the Spanish Ship 'l'Amable Mariana', the Danish Sloop 'Louisa', the Schooner 'George', the French Ship 'L'Esperance' and the Brig 'Eliza'; Waterloo Campaign and the Capture of Paris during the War of the Seventh Coalition; Waterloo Campaign during the War of the Seventh Coalition

The records also cover awards for the capture of the following ships: Brig 'Anaconda'; Brig 'Fortuna'; Brig 'St Antonio'; Brig 'Stephanie'; Dutch Ship 'Batavia'; Dutch ship 'Rensberg'; Maria Francisca'; Maria Theresa'; Portuguese Schooner 'Donnaluzia'; Schooner 'Alexander' in the River Gambia; Schooner 'Atlas'; Schooner 'Carmen' in the River Gambia; Schooner 'Desemperados' in the River Gambia; Schooner 'L'Esperanza'; Schooner 'Tantativa' in the River Gambia; Ship 'Coeurs Unis'; Ship 'Countess of Harcourt'; Ship 'Floridana'; Ship 'General Victor'; Ship 'Jack'; Ship 'L'Esperence'; Ship 'Maria Dolores'; Ship 'Merced'; Ship 'Vincidor'; Spanish Schooner 'San Jose' in the River Gambia; Vessel 'Eagle'; Vessel 'Growler'

Search over half a million names

Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, TheGenealogist is proud to announce the release of a collection of military records spanning over half a million names. This collection provides invaluable insights into the service and sacrifices of members of the British Armed Forces and colonial forces throughout history.

Active Service Section 3rd VB The Black Watch 24th Jan 1900 from The Muster-Roll of Angus, South African War, 1899-1902

"This collection offers a glimpse into the service and sacrifices of our military and naval personnel throughout history," said Mark Bayley of TheGenealogist. "As we approach Remembrance Sunday, we are honoured to provide researchers and historians access to these invaluable resources, which contain the names of over half a million individuals who served their countries with courage and distinction."

The newly released records include:

Naval and Military Despatches Vol. IV-VI (1915 - 1916); The British Roll of Honour 1837-1887; Return of The Names of The Officers in The Army 1811-1816; Surrey Musters, Part I-III 1544-1684; The Army List for 1881; The Army List for September 1933; The East-India Register and Directory, 1811; The East-India Register and Army List, 1842; The Last Post, Roll of Officers (Naval, Military or Colonial) who fell in South Africa 1899-1902 (also includes War Correspondents and Nurses who lost their lives); The Muster-Roll of Angus, South African War, 1899-1902 (with 700 portraits); A List of the Flag Officers and Other Commissioned Officers of His Majesty's Fleet, 1826; List of Officers of the Navy of the United States and of the Marine Corps, 1775-1900; Naval Worthies of Queen Elizabeth's Reign 1562-1643; Navy - Pensions, Compensations, and Allowances; The Royal Navy List for 1901; The Navy List for 1902; The Navy List for April 1915; The Navy List for April 1932; The Navy List for July 1915; The Navy List for January 1929; Arbroath & District Roll of Honour 1939-1945

The release of these records coincides with Remembrance Sunday, a solemn occasion when we pay tribute to members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. TheGenealogist's comprehensive military records collection allows individuals to delve into their family histories and honour the legacy of their ancestors who served.

One of the many interesting characters in these new records is Norman Douglas Holbrook, a remarkable submariner with extraordinary courage, skill, and determination - read his story here: https://thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2024/how-a-wwi-submarine-raid-birthed-a-hero-and-a-town-half-a-world-away-7864/

Start your genealogical journey today with TheGenealogist. To celebrate this release, for a limited time you can claim a Diamond Subscription for the price of a Gold subscription at just £98.95 along with a FREE online magazine - a saving of over £64. You can claim this offer here: https://thegenealogist.co.uk/MGBMIL1124

This offer expires 14th February 2025.

To mark the 110th anniversary of the start of World War I, TheGenealogist is proud to announce the release of an extensive collection of military records featuring the global conflict. This significant release includes service records, rolls of honour, and books of remembrance from schools, places, and institutions, providing invaluable insights into the lives of those who served and sacrificed during the Great War.

The newly released records offer a look at over 25,000 individuals, giving details such as the service histories of soldiers, portraits, details of their schooling, and family connections, including poignant details of those killed or wounded in action. These records not only commemorate the bravery and dedication of those who served but also provide a rich resource for researchers and family historians.

A page from Portsmouth and the Great War

Included in this release are the following notable compilations:

• Birmingham, Service Record of King Edward School 1914-1919

• Whitgift Grammar School, The Book of Remembrance 1914-1919

• Memorials of Rugbeians Who Fell in the Great War, Volumes II, III, V, VI

• A Book of Remembrance of Old Boys and Masters of Watford Grammar School who Served in the Great War, 1914-1918

• Shrewsbury School, Roll of Service, 1914-1918

• Portsmouth and the Great War

• Swindon's War Record 1914-1918

• The Clan MacRae Roll in the Great War - Unveiling of Memorial Supplement

• 7th Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, Officers and Men Who Fell During the Great War

• London County Council Record of Service in the Great War, 1914-1918

• Phoenix Assurance Company, Ltd. - War Service List, 1914-1919

Also included in the release are two publications that give more context to the conflict, with stories and illustrations of the individual battles and notable heroic deeds:

• Children's Story of the War

• Deeds that Thrill the Empire

Mark Bayley, Head of Content at TheGenealogist, commented: “This release not only preserves the memories of the men and women who feature in these records, it also provides a window into the past for future generations. This adds to our extensive WW1 collections, providing a valuable resource for anyone interested in the personal histories and sacrifices of those who experienced the Great War.”

Researchers and family historians can access these records online at TheGenealogist's website, where they can explore detailed entries, including the years individuals attended school, information on family members, and personal stories of bravery and loss.

Read the feature article ‘Harold Ackroyd: MD to VC’ at TheGenealogist here:

https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2024/harold-ackroyd-md-to-vc-7556/  

To celebrate this release you can Save over £50 on our Diamond Package just sign up here: https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/affiliate/?affid=lzupkh&page=2719

Family History Tips: Mentioned in Despatches

When we set out researching some of our ancestors from the past we may discover that they served in the military. We may find records that prove that they were awarded medals, or that they were wounded, taken prisoner, or killed in one of the wars that this country fought. In some cases we may even discover that they have been Mentioned in despatches (MiD). But what does this term mean?

The Gazette, the official public record which publishes awards including MiDs, has a useful article that can be read here:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/101371

The article takes as its example Captain Bernard Law Montgomery who served in World War 1 in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and was first MiD in 1915. Later awarded many medals, including the DSO to which his oak leaf is pinned (see the Gazette – issue 28992), Montgomery served between 1915 and 1918, ending WW1 as a lieutenant colonel. He was to go on to become Field Marshal Montgomery and 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein in WW2.

The handwritten MiD card records can reveal detail such as the military clerk’s corrections and messy amendments. You can see this on Montgomery’s 1915 MiD card, as found from a search of the Military Records on TheGenealogist.co.uk

You can read the full article on The Gazette's website:

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/all-notices/content/101371

TheGenealogist has just released a set of 50 Regimental Records to join its ever-growing military records collection bringing its total coverage to over 70 different regiments.

Researchers can use the collection to follow an ancestor’s regiment, discovering the battles they took part in and trace their movements. You can also find ancestors who were mentioned in the war movement diaries or listed in the appendices of men and officers of the regiment. 

This release covers records from the 17th century in the earliest incidence, for The Ancient Vellum Book of the Honourable Artillery Company 1611-1682, through to the late 1920s for The King's Royal Rifle Corps Chronicle, 1927. There are also a large number of Regimental Histories that cover the First World War which can reveal some fascinating details for family historians tracing their ancestors in World War I.

Use these records to: 

• Add colour to a soldier’s story 
• Read the war movements of his regiment
• See maps of the regiment’s progress in the theatre of war
• Discover if a soldier is mentioned in the report of the action
• Find if an officer or other rank is listed for receiving an Honour or an Award
• Note the names of those members of the regiment wounded or killed

This expands TheGenealogist’s extensive Military records collection.

Read their article: 

https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2019/using-regimental-histories-to-discover-your-ancestors-war-1187/

These records and many more are available to subscribers of TheGenealogist.co.uk

TheGenealogist has released the records of 29,000 individuals who were decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM). The roll of names for those who were awarded this British honour in the First World War have been released by TheGenealogist. Researchers can now look for holders of this medal up to 1920 from within their ever growing military records collection.

• See a copy of the image of the Medal Card with the theatre of war where the medal was won
• Details the name, rank, regiment and service number
• Unique “SmartSearch” links to the comprehensive military records on TheGenealogist.co.uk
• These new records cover British servicemen from The First World War

The medal was first awarded in 1845 to non-commissioned officers in the British Army who had a record of long service in the forces. Given originally for long service of at least 20 years to servicemen who were of irreproachable character and already held the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal of their service, the First World War saw it awarded to those who performed acts of non-combatant gallantry in the performance of their military duty. In the second case the bravery was not necessarily while the serviceman was on active service and may have been in the saving or attempted saving of the life of an officer or an enlisted soldier.

Family history researchers searching for ancestors who had been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in the First World War will be able to find their forebears in this new addition to the military collection of records on TheGenealogist.

Meritorious Service Medal (MSM)

Read TheGenealogist’s article on a First World War NCO awarded his medal ‘For exceptionally good work’ operating night and day to keep the RFC’s aeroplanes at El Hammam flying:

https://www.thegenealogist.co.uk/featuredarticles/2018/finding-ancestors-awarded-the-meritorious-service-medal-768/

• Part one of this release is The Worldwide Army Index for 1851, 1861 and 1871 which adds another name rich resource to the already vast Military record collections at TheGenealogist with over 600,000 records
• Also released at the same time is another 3,368 pages from The Illustrated War News covering 6 September 1916 to 10 April 1918 and adding to those previously made available for this First World War paper from 1914 to 1916

TheGenealogist launches millions of new Parish records as well as their New British in India Collection

TheGenealogist has just announced three important releases to coincide with the Who Do You Think You Are? Live show covering Britain and British India.

Over 2.5 Million people in the latest release of Parish records!

Augmenting the substantial Parish Records that are already available on TheGenealogist comes the release of more than 2.5 million people for two major counties:

• Hampshire Parish Records (Bishop’s Transcripts) (886,616 individuals)

This brings their total number of records to 3,199,820 with coverage of

Baptisms: 2,379,836 (1538 to 1940)

Marriages: 495,034 (1538 to 1940)

Burials: 324,950 (1538 to 1940)

• Durham Parish Records (1,697,206 individuals)

This brings their total number of records to 1,850,068 with coverage of

Baptisms: 1,253,273 (1556 to 1919)

Marriages: 198,845 (1540 to 1896)

Burials: 397,950 (1538 to 1939)

These will be a boon to Family Historians looking for key events in the lives of their ancestors.

The British in India Collection

The TV series ‘Indian Summers’ starring Julie Walters created in many a fascination with India under British rule. This new record set reveals information about those ancestors that lived in the subcontinent, their lifestyle and the communities that they lived in.

• Parish Records of British in India

• Headstone Records of British Cemeteries in India

• British War Memorials in India

• East India Registers

• Indian Army and Civil Service Lists

• Image Archive - British in India

The release of The British in India Collection on TheGenealogist now allows family historians to search for ancestors who went out to British India in a very broad-ranging set of resources ranging from the early 1800s up to the 1920s.

These records make up part of the Diamond subscription to TheGenealogist