Lives of the First World War

Exciting news today for genealogists and historians researching World War One! The Imperial War Museum and brightsolid, the online publishing and technology arm of publishing group DC Thomson, are working in partnership to create Lives of the First World War.  This innovative and interactive digital platform is in honour of the First World War centenary next year.

Lives of the First World War will become a permanent digital memorial to more than 8 million men and women from across Britain and the Commonwealth, and will be an amazing digital legacy for future generations.

You can watch a short film here about the new digital platform, and find out how to get involved here.  When the site goes fully live, people will be able to upload images and stories about their WWI ancestors. Even if you don't have a family connection, volunteers will be needed to help with checking/transcribing/indexing records.






Images:
Photo montage, 'Lives of the First World War'.
WWI pilots ( IWM E(AUS)2661).
Private W. C. Tickle. His mother's handwritten note on the photograph (taken a few days before his death) describes him as "One of the very best". Pte Tickle is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial. (IWM HU 93549).

All images © IWM.

Titanic Ancestors

On 15 April 1912, the White Star Line’s beautiful new ship Titanic sank on its maiden voyage to New York after hitting an iceberg. Only around 700 of its 2,200 passengers and crew survived, despite the bravery of its officers such as William McMaster Murdoch from Dalbeattie.

My latest feature for Discover My Past Scotland has tips for finding out more about your Scottish ancestors on the Titanic. The Encyclopedia Titanica is also a wonderful resource for information about the Titanic’s passengers and crew. 
You can also now search the passenger and crew lists here at the National Archives website and explore this image library showcase.
Images:
The Titanic, Frank C Bowen, Ships For All, 2nd edition, (Ward, Lock & Co. Ltd, c.1930).

Titanic’s sister ship the Olympic being launched at Belfast in 1910. Cassell’s Book of Knowledge, Vol. VII, (Waverley Book Co., c.1924). All images from the Nigel Wilkes collection.

Artist’s impression of an ocean liner braving the peril of icebergs. Cassell’s Book of Knowledge, Vol. IV, (Waverley Book Co., c.1924).