Rory Bremner didn’t know his father very well. His was an older father, who died when Rory was 18. Rory knew he was an infantry officer in the Second World War, but he had few details about his father’s military career.
At his brother’s house Rory discovers some wartime letters, in which his father talks about a battle for the Dutch city of s'Hertogenbosch. Rory travels to Holland where meets a man who was with his father during this crucial battle, and discovers Major Bremner’s pivotal role. Next Rory moves on to Germany to learn about the part his father played in the post-war reconstruction.
After some further delving into his brother’s family memorabilia, Rory uncovers a painting of his great-grandfather, Surgeon General John Ogilvy. Rory’s research reveals that John Ogilvy was an army medical surgeon during the Crimean War and was on the front line at all of the major infantry engagements.
You may be surprised at how many clues you can find within your own family’s archives. Photographs, letters and diaries can all tell you a lot about your ancestors. You may discover, like Rory, that your family tree is closely linked to Britain’s military past.
Our podcast will help you work out the sources you need for 19th century army ancestry. You should also try our guide to military history resources.
Census records, available online from 1841 to 1911, are also a good place to start.
You might also find these research guides useful:
British Army: Campaign Records, 1939-1945, Second World War
British Army: Officers' Records, 1660-1913
Tracing Your Ancestors in The National Archives
