Welcome

Eighty years ago, thousands of young men from around the world risked their lives on what became known as D-Day. The invasion of Normandy by the Allies has gone down in the history books as one of the most significant and bloody moments of the Second World War. On page 14 Gavin Mortimer pays tribute to the ordinary men who experienced an extraordinary event. Many of them did not survive to tell their stories, but we keep them alive in our hearts and in our family trees.

We also met up with journalist and presenter Clive Myrie (page 23) to talk about his family and his new TV series Clive Myrie’s Caribbean Adventure. And if you have ever struggled with a family name that has multiple variations, you will enjoy Chloe O’Shea’s discussion about surnames that change on page 19.

Also this month we explore coal miners’ records on page 32 in addition to a fascinating online genealogical collection from Ireland on page 40. I wish that my Irish kin were one of the families included in the Crosslés’ research. It just goes to show how much we owe to the genealogists who have come before us.

Finally, I’ve got a few metalworkers in my family tree, so I’ve enjoyed exploring the websites mentioned on page 37. That’s what we’re here for: sharing ideas, resources and inspiration. Happy hunting!

CONTRIBUTORS

GAVIN MORTIMER

A writer and historian who specialises in wartime special forces, Gavin shares captivating stories from D-Day and advice for accessing the relevant records on page 14.

CHLOE O’SHEA

Chloe has loved family history since 2006, long before she made genealogy her career. Turn to page 19 to read her explanation of the ways that surnames change over the years.

LAURA BERRY

Laura is one of the genealogists who help celebrities uncover their trees on Who Do You Think You Are?, and presents a guide to finding records of coal miners on page 32.