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Talk

Family history: using Second World War records

Find out where to start with your Second World War family history research.

Date
24 January 2026
Location
Online
About this image

Middle East School of Hygiene second anniversary group photo War Diary. Catalogue reference: WO 177/1545

Learn about records relating to army service including personnel records and operational records such as war diaries. Some of these sources are available for the first time at The National Archives, following the historic transfer from the Ministry of Defence.

This webinar is presented by Will Butler, Head of Military Records at The National Archives. It will be followed by a live Q&A so come prepared with any questions or queries you have about these records.

Event details

Date
24 January 2026, 10:30 to 11:30
Price
Free
Location
Online, Live-streamed on Vimeo
Part of series
Getting started with family history

Dates for this event

24 January 2026

  • 10:30 to 11:30

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How to join online

What you need to join

This event will be live streamed on the website of our streaming service, Vimeo.

When you book, you will receive an email that includes the link you need to join the event. This link will also be shared with you in a reminder email in advance of the event.

  • Vimeo provide guidance on How to watch a live event.
  • You do not need a Vimeo account to join. If you do sign up for a Vimeo account, please be aware you may be asked to verify your age. You can find out more here: About age verification in the UK and EU
  • You can join from your browser from a laptop or mobile device.
  • For the best experience we recommend using either a laptop or desktop computer.

Help during the event

To access the live event, click on the link in the Eventbrite confirmation email you received when you booked the event. Vimeo will open in your web browser.

  • If the live event hasn’t started at the advertised start time, please refresh your browser window and click the play button on the event again. If that doesn’t work, try closing the browser window and clicking the link in your confirmation email again.
  • You can enable live subtitles by clicking on the ‘CC’ button at the bottom of the video player. ‘CC’ stands for ‘Closed Captions’.
  • When you join the event, you may have to click on the sound icon at the bottom of the video to unmute the sound. If there is still no sound, please make sure that you have got your speakers turned up to full volume.
  • If you have a query that has not been answered above, please email us at whatson@nationalarchives.gov.uk

Watch after the event

This talk will be available to watch after the event, using the same link you will receive to join it live. It will remain available for a limited period of 48 hours after the event has finished, unless otherwise stated.

Speakers