Ancestry

Are you interested in exploring your family history or researching WWII veterans? Look no further than Ancestry, a valuable resource for history enthusiasts. With over 27 billion searchable records, including census, birth, marriage, military, and immigration records, Ancestry offers a vast collection of genealogical information that can provide important insights into your ancestors’ lives. You can log on to the site pretty much from anywhere in the world.

Ancestry.com is available in several countries around the world, with separate websites for each country. Here is a list of the countries where Ancestry.com has a website:

  1. United States – www.ancestry.com
  2. Canada – www.ancestry.ca
  3. United Kingdom – www.ancestry.co.uk
  4. Australia – www.ancestry.com.au
  5. New Zealand – www.ancestry.com.au/newzealand
  6. Ireland – www.ancestry.ie
  7. France – www.ancestry.fr
  8. Germany – www.ancestry.de
  9. Italy – www.ancestry.it
  10. Sweden – www.ancestry.se
  11. Norway – www.ancestry.no
  12. Denmark – www.ancestry.dk

Each country’s Ancestry website may have a slightly different collection of genealogical records and resources, based on the availability of records in that country. However, users can typically access the same core features and tools across all Ancestry websites, including the ability to build family trees, search for records, and collaborate with other users.

How much does this all cost?

One of the best things about Ancestry is the variety of subscription plans, with options ranging from access to US records only to worldwide access. Plus, with a free trial, you can give the service a spin before committing to a subscription.

For most projects, you can probably get most of the information you need within the first month. For real enthusiasts, you might want to take advantage of the hefty discounts for buying an extended subscription upfront. But my advice is to give it a spin first, then commit to the longer subscription.

What do you get access to?

When you start exploring Ancestry.com, you’ll find many additional resources that can help you uncover important information about your family tree. For instance, historical newspapers, city directories, yearbooks, and prison records can all provide additional insights into your ancestors’ lives.

The Ancestry.com search function enables you to search for ancestors using various parameters, such as name, birth date, death date, location, and more. This can help narrow down search results and save you time.

If you’re specifically researching WWII veterans, you can find military personnel files from the National Archives, which can provide additional details about an ancestor’s service. Additionally, Ancestry.com offers extensive collections of military records from various wars and conflicts, including WWII. Access to these records can provide a deeper understanding of an ancestor’s service and sacrifice for their country.

Although most of these records are free to access online, or if you go to the archive’s location in person, the search functionality of ancestry is second to none. I’ve also found that the scanned documents on this platform are much clearer and of a higher quality than what is being offered on the source websites.

You don’t have to do all the legwork on your own!

Another great feature of Ancestry.com is the ability to collaborate with other users who may be researching the same ancestors or family lines. By building a family tree and sharing it with others, you can discover new ancestors and family members that you may not have known about before. The service also has a community forum, called message boards, where genealogy enthusiasts can connect and share tips, strategies, and advice on their research.

A real amazing thing benefit to this type of collaboration is that when you do find your relatives or those you are searching for in another person’s family tree, you can quickly see a snapshot of their life. You find out when they were born and when their siblings were born when they married, and often enough when they passed away. It just brought it all to life for me!

Getting scientific

And if you’re interested in DNA testing, Ancestry.com’s service can provide you with insights into your ethnic background and potential genetic health risks or carrier status. This can be especially useful if you’re an adoptee or have limited knowledge of your family history.

In the end, researching your family history or WWII veteran ancestors can be a rewarding and enriching experience. By using Ancestry.com and its many features, you can discover a wealth of information about your past that may surprise and fascinate you.

To get started and discover more than you bargained about the past, please click on the button below


Findmypast

Overview:
Findmypast (https://www.findmypast.co.uk/) is a leading online genealogy service, dedicated to helping individuals trace their family history and discover their ancestors. Catering to both amateur and professional researchers, the platform offers an extensive collection of records and tools to dive deep into your lineage.

What Sets Findmypast Apart?

  1. Military Records Galore:
    For those particularly interested in their family’s military history, Findmypast stands out. They boast an impressive collection of military records, including draft registration cards, service records, pension applications, and more. Whether your ancestors served in World War I, World War II, or other historic conflicts, you’re likely to find invaluable information here.
  2. Extensive UK & Irish Collections:
    While there are various genealogy platforms online, Findmypast is renowned for its comprehensive UK and Irish record collections. This makes it an invaluable resource if your roots trace back to these regions.
  3. Exclusive Records:
    Findmypast collaborates with a plethora of archives and organizations, leading to many records that are exclusive to their platform. These partnerships mean you might discover details about your ancestors that can’t be found elsewhere.
  4. Regular Updates:
    The platform is continually growing, with new records added frequently. This ensures that every time you revisit, there’s a good chance you’ll uncover even more about your family history.
  5. User-Friendly Search and Interface:
    Navigating your family tree can be intricate, but Findmypast’s intuitive search functionality and organized interface make it easier to explore. The site offers various filters, helping refine results and locate the information most pertinent to you.
  6. Community & Support:
    The journey of discovering your family history becomes even more enriching when you can share and collaborate. Findmypast fosters a community of researchers, and its active forums provide a space for users to share findings, ask questions, and offer assistance.
  7. Learning Resources:
    If you’re new to genealogy or wish to deepen your research skills, Findmypast offers a variety of guides, tutorials, and articles. These resources are designed to help you make the most of your exploration.

In Conclusion:
For those on the hunt to uncover their family’s history, especially its military chapters, Findmypast provides a robust and comprehensive platform. Their vast record collections, unique offerings, and user-centric tools and resources make it a go-to destination for anyone eager to connect with their past. Dive in and discover the stories waiting for you.


Forces War Records


Forces War Records (https://uk.forceswarrecords.com/) is a specialist military genealogy website, dedicated to helping individuals explore their family’s military heritage. This unique platform provides access to millions of military records, making it an invaluable resource for those wanting to delve into the stories of their ancestors who served in the armed forces.

What Makes Forces War Records Unique?

  1. Focused Military Database:
    Unlike broader genealogy sites, Forces War Records specialises in UK military records. This specific focus means they offer an unparalleled depth in this niche, covering various conflicts and time periods.
  2. Exclusive Collection:
    Many of the records hosted on Forces War Records are exclusive to their platform, ensuring that users gain access to information that might not be available on other genealogical sites.
  3. Historical Documents & Publications:
    The platform isn’t just about individual service records. They also offer a wealth of historical documents, magazines, and manuals that provide context to your ancestors’ experiences.
  4. Personal Historian Service:
    If you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration of your family’s military history, Forces War Records offers a Personal Historian service. This tailored research service can provide a comprehensive account of an ancestor’s military life.
  5. Comprehensive Coverage:
    Whether your ancestors served in the World Wars, the Boer War, the Crimean War, or other British military conflicts, there’s a strong chance their records are part of this vast database.
  6. Interactive War Diaries:
    The platform features war diaries, which offer day-by-day accounts of specific units during World War I. This feature allows users to gain an intimate understanding of the daily life and challenges faced by their ancestors.
  7. Educational Section:
    Forces War Records provides resources and articles that shed light on various aspects of military history. These resources can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the records you uncover.
  8. User-Friendly Interface:
    The platform has been designed for ease of use. With a streamlined search function and clear navigation, even those new to genealogy can embark on their research journey with confidence.

In Conclusion:
Forces War Records stands out as a premier destination for those specifically interested in their family’s military past in the UK. With its exclusive records, in-depth resources, and dedication to preserving military history, the platform ensures a rich and rewarding research experience. Embark on a journey with Forces War Records and honour the service and sacrifices of your ancestors.