On the 8th of May, we mark VE Day – Victory in Europe Day, a pivotal moment in history that ended nearly 6 years of war in Europe. Buy beyond the parade, VE Day is also the perfect time to explore your own family’s World War Two stories. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced genealogist, here’s our fun yet practical guide to uncovering your WW2 military ancestors.
The Clues in the Cupboard
Before diving into digital records, don’t underestimate what might be hiding in your own family home. Be sure to look out for:
- Service medals or ribbons
- Old photographs in uniform
- Letters or diaries from wartime
- Pay books or demob papers
Even casual anecdotes from older relatives can lead you in the right direction. Perhaps ask about nicknames, regiments, or where they were stationed.
Use Official Military Records
The UK has different types of WW2 service records depending on which branch of the military your ancestor served in.
- Army Service Records (British Army) – These are not available online and must be requested from the Ministry of Defence (MOD). As of 2024, they’ve moved to the National Archives for public access.
- Royal Navy and Royal Air Force Records – Some pre-1945 records are available through The National Archives or subscription sites like Findmypast and Ancestry.
- Medal Index Cards and Campaign Medals – A great way to see which theatres of war your ancestor served in.
Top Tip: Service numbers are GOLD. If you can find one, you’ll speed up any search dramatically!
Don’t Forget the Commonwealth and Allies
Many families have roots in Commonwealth nations, and their ancestors may have fought under British command. Look into:
- Canadian, Australian and Indian Forces service records
- Civilian war work (e.g., nurses, factory workers)
WW2 | Regimental Histories & War Diaries
Once you’ve identified a regiment or battalion, take a deep dive into:
- Regimental war diaries at the National Archives
- Local archives and museums (many regiments have their own!)
- Unit histories – useful for understanding what your ancestor experienced day-to-day
WW2 | Go Beyond the Battlefield
Not everyone held a rifle. Many played vital roles in:
- The Home Guard (Dad’s Army, etc)
- Women’s Auxiliary Services (WAAF, ATS, WRNS)
- Civil Defence and ARP Wardens
- Codebreaking and intelligence
These roles are increasingly documented and can offer just as much insight and surprises.
WW2 | Why VE Day is the Perfect Time to Start
VE Day isn’t just about history, it’s about remembrance, discovery and connection. As the generations that fought and lived through WW2 grow fewer, now is the time to capture their stories and pass them on.
Need a Hand? We’ve Got You Covered
At Family Wise, our experienced researchers are pros at navigating military records, decoding wartime mysteries, and uncovering those “how on Earth did you find that?!” moments.
So, this VE Day, take a moment to honour your family’s past and maybe discover something new about it too by getting in contact and receiving your no-obligation quote.
