Tracing ancestors in the royal navy

The uniforms of the British Armed Forces and those of the Empire, Commonwealth and dominions across the sea all looked alike with subtle differences. This same rule can be applied to the other branche

If your ancestors lived in the UK in the 19th and 20th centuries, the chances are that one or more of them saw some sort of military service. When we think of our ancestors serving in the British mili

Britain’s neglect of its maritime heritage has led to shuttered shipyards, ailing fishing fleets and impoverished coastal towns

We ended last month looking at the soldier’s pocket books of the 19th century. Sadly very few of these documents survive. They are NOT included in any Army papers that have been stored over the years.

The appearance of The Princess of Wales at last year’s Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the National Service of Remembrance the following day, were rare public

Technology has transformed sailing, but was the past better or worse? Andy Du Port shares his views