Home of Britain’s bestselling history magazine and award-winning podcast
The day the machines fell silent at Bletchley Park
To mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, Bletchley Park’s research historian, Dr David Kenyon, reveals how staff reacted to the momentous occasion all those years ago
When Germany’s surrender was declared on 8 May 1945, the news came as a surprise to many of the staff working at Bletchley Park. Although they knew the end of the European war was near, few predicted it would happen that Tuesday morning, except for some of those in Hut 6, who were reading the surrender negotiations. On VE Day, the Government Code and Cypher School (the official name of Bletchley’s codebreaking organisation) was still fully operational. German Enigma traffic was still being deciphered and analysed, while the Bombe machines, which were used to find the daily keys, continued to click and hum – although, towards the war’s end, breaking Enigma had become harder due to last-ditch changes to the German machines and operating procedures. In fact, according to the official internal history of Hut 6, the introduction of two mechanical additions to the Enigma – the ‘Uhr’ plugboard adapter and the field-rewireable reflector ‘D’ – had created a great deal of extra work for the team. So, despite the nearness of victory on the battlefield, success in codebreaking had become increasingly difficult. The sound of silence For some staff, things immediately stopped on 8 May. “I was actually on an evening or night shift when the German war ended, because suddenly the machines were all switched off,” recalled Wren Colossus Operator, Diana Anderson. “It was very cold because the machines had kept the room warm, and I remember climbing up on the table and trying to sleep there. We couldn’t go home, as transport would only be coming for us when the shift ended.” Like so many at Bletchley Park, Diana’s immediate reaction was relief, followed by the desire to finally get some sleep. Her colleague, Wren Rachel Kimber, shared the same sentiment: “We were on watch, and somebody came in and said, ‘The war has ended, the war has ended!’. I can’t remember if it was in the morning or afternoon, but I remember at some point going to sleep on the hard stone of the cloakroom floor, even though I was on duty,” she said. “The war ended, and I had to have a sleep, so the cloakroom floor had to do.” A day of celebration Other staff were able to join the celebrations in London, including Audrey Vine, a Wren in the Naval Section. “We went down to London and came back in the evening,” she recalled. “Everybody talked to everybody, no matter who you were, because we’d been under such a cloud for such a long time. The elation was tremendous – it really was a very exciting day.” Meanwhile, some staff were able to celebrate at Bletchley Park itself. One veteran (who shall remain nameless) remembered tracking down some beer and getting so drunk that he ended up falling into the lake! A moment of reflection However, it should also be noted that for many of the staff at Bletchley Park, the end of the war in Europe did not mean the end of their work. While most people associate Bletchley Park with breaking German ciphers, the codebreakers were also working tirelessly on Japanese ciphers. Alongside their American counterparts, they were heavily involved in deciphering Japanese naval and military codes, as well as diplomatic traffic. Preparations were also underway for the land invasion of Japan – a vast amphibious operation that would dwarf D-Day in both scale and likely casualties, which might have stretched the war into 1946. The abrupt end of the Japanese war in August, after the dropping of the atomic bombs, came as a complete surprise to most. The Manhattan Project and the bombs’ development remained a closely guarded secret – even at Bletchley Park, where secrecy was part of the daily routine. So, for the team operating the Hollerith punch-card machines in block C, VE Day meant only a brief moment of celebration before their Japanese work resumed. “On VE Day, our little boss, Mr Freddie Freeborn, came out so excited and said, ‘It’s just been announced, the war has ended in Europe’,” said Civilian Operator, Peggy Munn. “Of course, all our punch cards went up in the air, and we all danced around – it was lovely. After a while, he and the supervisor said, ‘That’s enough, tidy up’. We were then told to go home but to be back on Monday, as we still had the Far Eastern War to clean up and we would have to do the same thing with different codes.” Into the unknown Bletchley Park had grown from a few hundred to nearly 9,000 members of staff since 1939, and it was clear that not all of them would be needed once the war ended. For many, the threat of redundancy and the question of ‘What next?’ were on their minds. “Of course, we were delighted, but nobody knew what they were going to do,” recalled Edith Davidson, a civilian in the Air Section. “It was a difficult time, because most people had no jobs to go to. They really didn't know what the future held.” Some returned to academia, but for many, especially women, finding work with similar responsibilities was hard. Another burden was secrecy, as it was declared that the work at Bletchley Park would remain classified indefinitely, and staff were expected to take their secrets to the grave. “I must admit that I was quite bitter at the end of the war, when others got marches and the like, we got nothing,” said Doreen Tabor of Hut 3. “I just walked out with no recognition – nobody thanked us, we were no longer needed, so we were just allowed to just drift away.” But these restrictions have since been lifted and veterans can share their stories, shedding light on the remarkable work that took place at Bletchley Park, and revealing their significant contributions throughout the war and to victory in 1945. Learn more about Bletchley Park Bletchley Park is now a museum and heritage attraction, open daily to visitors. If you’d like to discover more about the incredible achievements of the people who worked there during World War II, why not visit yourself? Find out more about Bletchley Park and plan your visit now. Book your tickets
Make a bid at The Royal Mint’s latest trial pieces auction, and you could be in with a chance of owning some of the UK’s rarest coins
Renowned for its prestigious designs and a reputation built on centuries of craftsmanship, The Royal Mint has been striking the coins of British monarchs for more than a thousand years. From celebrating the reign of Alfred the Great in the ninth century to honouring His Majesty King Charles III today, the world-leading mint has commemorated some of history’s most iconic figures. And now, it’s offering you the opportunity to bid on some of the UK’s most unique coins at its Trial Pieces auction, which boasts an impressive selection of remarkable pieces, complete with hallmarking by the London Assay Office. The auction is live online until 2 February 2025, and any bids placed in advance will compete with those made live at the auction that evening. Perfect for both numismatists and collectors alike, the catalogue features gold, silver and base metal pieces struck to either Proof, Brilliant Uncirculated or Bullion standard, displaying a variety of themes. So, if you’re looking for an extraordinary coin to add to your collection, read on to discover some of this auction’s highlights. View the catalogue What is a trial piece? Trial pieces are prototypes struck to test various aspects of a coin, such as physical characteristics, metal composition or the viability of technique. But with only around 30 pieces made and most destroyed after testing, they’re exceptionally rare. Meanwhile, die trial pieces are even rarer, as they are struck specifically to assess design details and the quality of the dies, with only a small number being kept for reference purposes. Two national icons One of the standout pieces in the auction is the British Lion and American Eagle 2024 1oz gold Bullion trial piece. Struck in 999.9 fine gold to Bullion Standard, this golden coin not only unites two national icons, but is also designed by John M. Mercanti, one of the most prolific coin designers in the history of the United States Mint. The British lion features on the coats of arms of many powerful families across Europe and is a symbol of strength, courage and nobility in heraldry. Similarly, the bald eagle has represented the U.S. since 1782, frequently appearing on official documents, currency, flags and much more, embodying the ideals of independence, determination and resilience. Find out more A classic design If silver is more your style, the St George and the Dragon 2024 UK 2oz silver Proof trial piece is a classic choice. Struck in sterling silver and finished to the finest Proof standard, this timeless coin features the iconic duo synonymous with the Sovereign, thanks to Benedetto Pistrucci’s reverse design of the early 19th century. Of course, the image of St George defeating the dragon has been depicted by many notable artists throughout history, from Peter Paul Rubens to Salvador Dali. But modern artists and coin designers have started to create different portrayals of the legendary tale. Jody Clark’s dynamic reverse design, for example, will be the first in a new series of bullion coins from The Royal Mint featuring the story. Find out more A rare find The 2009 Kew Gardens UK 50p coin was the rarest of its kind for almost 15 years, but the definitive 50p coin of His Majesty King Charles III’s reign – featuring the Atlantic salmon on the reverse – has now become the rarest in circulation, with just 200,000 coins produced in 2023. Unsurprisingly, the King Charles III Definitives 2023 UK 50p base Proof trial piece is the star of the base metal coins available for auction. This special sample has been struck to Proof standard and is one of several definitive coins designed for His Majesty The King featuring flora and fauna from across the UK, each symbolic of a cause for concern or success in conservation. Find out more Don’t miss your chance to bid on some of the rarest pieces produced by The Royal Mint. The question is, which will you choose? View the catalogue
How did Bletchley Park shape the success of D-Day?
D-Day was a turning point in the Second World War, but its success was many months in the making. Learn the exciting history of how the teams at Bletchley Park played a pivotal role in the Normandy landings of 1944
D-Day, 6 June 1944, was a turning point in the Second World War. This date marked the Normandy landings, the beginning of the Allied invasion of German-occupied Europe. It was a calculated combination of aerial, naval, and ground forces, in order to liberate France and push back Adolf Hitler’s forces on the Western Front. It was the culmination of many long months of ferocious planning, and it set the stage for the concluding chapters of the deadliest war in human history. The D-Day operations exacted a heavy toll on the Allied forces. However, despite the cost, it still stands as a military triumph – one in which logistics, intelligence information, and combat success all coalesced to deliver a pivotal victory. But the success of D-Day, and more broadly of Operation Overlord – the name given to the battle for Normandy – wasn’t just a result of the efforts of the armed combatants in the air, on the ground, and at sea. Many miles away from the shores of Normandy, in Buckinghamshire, a group of thousands of individuals was contributing to D-Day on a different front. The country estate of Bletchley Park became the home of British code-breaking efforts, providing crucial information that shaped the preparations for D-Day and Operation Overlord, and continued to do so after the Normandy landings. This signals intelligence gathered and shared by the team at Bletchley Park, both before and after D-Day, informed how military operations were conducted and, in some instances, was vital in helping the Allies outmanoeuvre the German war machine. Venture to Bletchley Park today and you’ll find an immersive maze of corridors and rooms, now filled with documents, books, and images, serving as a museum dedicated to preserving the story of the building and the codebreakers who worked there. But who were these codebreakers, and nearly eight decades after D-Day, how do we understand the role they played in the Normandy landings and Operation Overlord? The workforce at Bletchley Park Alan Turing, the man whose face adorns the £50 note, is often seen as synonymous with Bletchley Park: personifying it and its role in the war. And while Turing was a once-in-a-generation genius, the achievements of Bletchley Park can and should be attributed to more than just one man. The workforce at Bletchley Park – which began as a refined operation of around 150 people in 1938 – grew to just under 9,000 individuals (three-quarters of whom were women) when code-breaking efforts hit their peak. These women and men played a significant role in every aspect of the Bletchley Park machine, from operating the Bombe machines – devices, built by the British to break messages encrypted by Germany's Enigma cipher machines – to traffic analysis, and administration. Many of those working at Bletchley Park were normal, everyday people with a range of skills – not just a talent for solving puzzles. Among their number were mathematicians and logicians specifically sought out for their analytical skills, as well as linguists who could translate intercepted messages and identify language patterns, indexers who could manage huge amounts of data, and engineers who could design, build and maintain labour-saving machinery. The thousands of workers at Bletchley Park inevitably meant that it became a complex organisation divided into numerous sections. Each section specialised in a specific task, and some took their names from the wooden huts in which they were housed. Among the most famous was Hut 8, founded by Turing, which focused on breaking the Enigma messages of the German navy. Crucially, all the departments had to work collaboratively. For example, decrypted troop movements uncovered by one hut might prove vital for others working on broader strategic analysis. Breaking the codes to shape decisions for D-Day One of the specific ways in which the Bletchley Park operation played a role in advance of D-Day was in breaking the ciphers of the Enigma machine. Enigma machines were extraordinarily complex devices used by the Germans to encrypt their messages during the Second World War. Enigma’s significance lay in its ability to generate a vast number of possible code combinations, making it incredibly difficult to break. A range of different ciphers were in use and the settings were changed daily, requiring constant work to break the new ciphers. The Nazi leadership believed Enigma unbreakable, meaning that they never seriously considered the possibility of decryption. Little did the Germans know that Bletchley Park was successfully reading Enigma messages from early in the war. The immense efforts of codebreakers, particularly with Enigma, provided crucial intelligence in the leadup to D-Day, impacting how military plans were shaped right up until 6 June. Perhaps most importantly, decrypted messages revealed the location and size of German divisions throughout Western Europe. By D-Day itself, the intelligence shared by Bletchley Park meant that the Allies were able to pinpoint and identify every single one of the 58 German divisions in France and the Low Countries. This intelligence was developed and shared within the Western Front Committee – a group of the most senior intelligence analysts from across all of the Bletchley Park huts – who met fortnightly with the aim of establishing the state of the German military’s offensive and defensive capabilities in Western Europe. The Western Front Committee was formed, and began its work, in November 1942, one and a half years prior to the Normandy landings. With this detailed, expansive information to hand, the Allies were able to identify vulnerabilities in the German defences and adapt their attack strategies accordingly. Indeed, the flexibility offered by the insights from the work at Bletchley Park was vital. Eleven days prior to D-Day, Bletchley Park found evidence that a division of German infantry and paratroopers was being formed up in the Cotentin Peninsula. In response, US general Omar Bradley – field commander for American troops on D-Day – moved the drop zone for the US 82nd Airborne Division further west. Doing so allowed them to sidestep the Germans, paving the way for the capture for the village of Sainte-Mère-Église. Set on a crossroads, it was to prove a vital bastion from which to defend the Normandy landings from German counterattacks. Alongside the work on Enigma, the men and women at Bletchley Park also worked on breaking other encryption systems, including the Lorenz cipher (used for broader German strategies and other high-level communications). Even the breaking of Japanese diplomatic codes played a role in D-Day. Messages sent to Tokyo by Japanese officials who had toured the Atlantic Wall defences were decrypted by US Army intelligence, along with Bletchley Park, to help the Allies understand what they would be up against on the beaches of Normandy. The impact of Bletchley Park’s information Intelligence gathered from these various enemy codes, decrypted at Bletchley Park, had the potential to reshape the war: it was only through the vast sum of information uncovered by the codebreakers that preparation for D-Day could be so precise. And it was only through its precision that D-Day could be so successful. Even in the aftermath of D-Day, Bletchley Park continued to supply real-time information on the movement of German troops, informing the Allies’ next moves at every turn. Had the operation at Bletchley Park been less successful, what would have become of D-Day? Even greater losses among Allied troops are likely. The Allies would not have been so well-prepared, nor so adaptive. The German army may have had a better chance of regrouping on the Western Front, consolidating into a more coherent defence against the Allied invasion. The very decision to go ahead with the invasion would have been more difficult, if Allied leaders did not have such a good idea what their troops would be facing. Now, Bletchley Park stands proud as a reminder of how the Second World War was fought, not just in the arena of military force, but also in the sourcing, understanding and disseminating of covert information. And that intelligence defined how the war played out. At Bletchley Park, that’s a legacy you can uncover for yourself, today.
Save lives in the Great War with this fascinating new video game
In the realistic management simulator War Hospital, you’ll experience World War I like never before
This new game flips the script on what you may have come to expect from war-based interactive experiences. Of course, war has long been a source of inspiration for video game designers, but even if you've played hundreds of war video games before, you've probably never experienced one like this. War Hospital, which has been developed by Poland’s Brave Lamb Studio, invites you to take on the role of a retired combat medic who is drafted back into service in 1918. With World War I entering its brutal, final stages, you must manage the tricky tactics and moral dilemmas of frontline medical care. But will you manage to fight for life while so many are shooting to kill? Play now Explore a rarely seen side of an under-explored conflict While there have been countless games focused on World War II, many of them geared around shooting Nazis or tactically overcoming them, War Hospital is a very fresh proposition. Not only does it focus on World War I – a comparatively unexplored war in the videogame realm – it also offers a totally different gameplay experience to your average war game. As a management game positioned from a unique perspective, you'll find yourself participating in this conflict in a way that you may have never considered before. Instead of worrying about how many enemies you can eliminate and how much ground you can gain, with War Hospital it's all about how many lives you can save as Armistice Day nears. You'll be using the medical techniques of the time to get as many soldiers as possible back on their feet and back to the front lines. With the end of the war inching ever closer, morale is a major currency, along with boots on the ground – and you can influence both. Your key weapons include your time management skills, your nose for prioritisation, and your ability to make snap decisions when there are multiple lives at stake. Play now Challenging gameplay and moral choices With the violence rarely letting up, you'll face plenty of tough choices and many challenges. You’ll need to recruit and assign doctors, nurses, medics, engineers, and scouts – all of which can alter the outcome of vital situations – while battling fatigue and death. As the last bastion of humanity amid the bloodshed, hundreds of lives will be in your hands and the onus is on you to make the right calls in high-pressure situations – where resources are limited, and time is of the essence. The game’s action is displayed from an isometric perspective (think real-time strategy games such as Total War), with eye-catching 3D graphics and 13,000 lines of in-game text to guide you. And with a rich narrative leading you through the game’s different scenarios, your efforts will be rewarded with story advancement and positive outcomes for your patients. This is a war-themed game that champions life rather than death, making it a challenging, but ultimately rewarding, experience for players. Historical and technical realism War Hospital is steeped in authenticity. The involvement of the Imperial War Museum adds legitimacy, and through careful collaboration with some of the world's foremost World War I experts, the developers have strived towards realism in all sorts of areas. For instance, just as it did in real life, the medical technology at your disposal develops as the war rages on, giving you different tools to unlock as you progress. The game goes to great efforts to reflect the diversity of the era too, with many of Britain's international allies being represented in the game. So, in addition to Brits and Scots, soldiers from Australia, India and elsewhere in the British empire of the period are present, with unique character designs and voiced accents. This realism even drips down into the musical score, which includes the sound of a ticking watch. This both adds tension and gives a nod to the fact that wristwatches became commonplace during the Great War. No detail is too small to be considered in this game! Are you ready to save lives with War Hospital? Play now
Want to channel your inner naval commander?
With World of Warships, you can sail into battle in some of military history’s most iconic vessels – better yet, you can play for free
Whether you’re well-versed in military combat games, or a total novice, the unique dynamics of naval battle make World of Warships a tantalising prospect for gamers and historians alike. And with the ability to choose and customise some of the most famous ships from from the last century, this impressively realised online game might even teach you a few facts you didn’t know. You’ll be joining millions worldwide in a shared passion, and even play with or against people you know. The best part is that it’s completely free to start playing. So, if you’re looking for the perfect blend of brain-testing tactics and genuinely exhilarating gameplay, read on to find out what awaits when you begin your World of Warships campaign. Play for free Sail with iconic vessels One of the game’s great lures is the sheer choice of ships available, selected from some of history’s most feared navies. You can pick from either side of the traditional WWII alliances, including Japan, Germany, Italy, the US, Great Britain and France, allowing you to sail and battle in legends of the sea, including HMS Belfast, USS Midway and the much-feared Bismarck. But it’s not just about iconic names – the type of ship you pick will have a large bearing on your style of play. Battleships offer unmatched firepower and considerable resilience in the face of damage if you’re willing to sacrifice on speed and manoeuvrability. If you’re not, destroyers are your best bet, as they’ll excel at daring assaults without being detected, thanks to torpedo capability. Aircraft carriers are of paramount strategic importance, chiefly due to their ability to launch airstrikes that can turn a battle on its head if you’re struggling, or help inflict the final blow if you’re on top. Meanwhile, if you’re after the perfect all-rounder, versatile cruisers boast a rapid rate of fire, while their anti-aircraft weaponry can help shield your fleet from the most devastating blows. Play for free How will you play? You’ll start life in port – your central hub of non-combat activities. This is where you can upgrade and customise your ship, or indeed buy a new one. Then, once your chosen ship is ready, it’s up to you to decide which type of battle you want to fight. As you continue to play the game, more scenarios will become available to you. Co-operative battles are ideal if you’re playing with friends, as you’ll team up against bots. It’s also the perfect way to master the basic game mechanics before lining up against real foes. The real cut-and-thrust begins at Random Battles – the most popular of all the mechanics – with two teams of up to 12 players. To win a battle, your team needs to score 1,000 points, destroy all the enemy ships, capture the enemy base, or reduce the enemy team's score to zero, which will require all your cunning to achieve. Become even more illustrious, and you can test your wits against the very best by working your way up from the Bronze League in Ranked Battle or join a clan and rise through the echelons in Clan Battles. Whichever mode you’re in, the ever-changing battle conditions, including often violent turns of weather, will keep you firmly on your toes. A game that gives back World of Warships always gives you a reason to return. Throughout the game, you’ll have the opportunity to buy rewards to upgrade your military hardware, earn them through your achievements in battle or gain them by recruiting a shipmate. And you won’t miss out on the festive treats either. Throughout December players can complete daily and weekly missions to earn rare prizes such as never-before-released cruiser Kitakami, which has gained mythical status amongst players after it appeared in 2015 beta tests. There’s some good news for new players too – until 12 December, a bonus code on the official website will allow both new and existing players to discover a bundle of seasonal goodies for their account, such as the battleship Bismarck or a permanent camouflage for a tier VIII ship. Not only that, but if you join the World of Warships Captain’s Club, you can take advantage of exclusive discounts for a range of home products, experiences and magazine and TV subscriptions. Find out more Ready to try your hand at the endlessly compelling World of Warships? Play for free
You can bid on these stunning rare coin collections from The Royal Mint
The 2009 commemorative Kew Gardens 50p coin headlines The Royal Mint’s largest consignment auction to date, with more than 300 lots available
As the oldest company in the UK, The Royal Mint is home to some of the world’s most significant and fascinating historical artefacts, spanning thousands of years. From the Alfred the Great Penny to coins bearing the image of King Edward VIII that were never released following his short-lived reign and subsequent abdication in 1936, its archive is a genuine treasure trove. And now, The Royal Mint is giving you the opportunity to own your very own piece of history. From 10 November to 3 December, the UK’s official coin maker will run its largest consignment collection to date, including the highest ever number of gold kilos in one catalogue. With more than 300 historic and modern consignment lots available to view and bid on, including the Queen’s Beasts coins from 2021, as well as 2009’s commemorative Kew Gardens 50p piece, there are some exquisite items and collections to choose from. View the collection Here are some of the highlights from this exclusive auction, along with their intriguing origins. If you want to start your own collection or add to an already curated catalogue, why not have a browse and stake your claim? 2020 Three Graces Two-Ounce Gold Proof Coin This golden coin is part of a collection celebrating the greatest engravers throughout The Royal Mint’s history. The 2020 edition commemorates the artistry of William Wyon, based on his original 1817 crown design. This was inspired by Antonio Canova’s breathtaking statue ‘The Three Graces’, which depicts Zeus’s three daughters. Thalia is said to represent beauty, Euphrosyne mirth and Aglaia elegance. View now Did you know… William Wyon’s storied career also saw him create numerous famous coins and medallions for the young Princess, then Queen, Victoria. The most revered being his neo-classic 1838 portrait – the first full year of her reign. Kew Gardens 50p You might come across this highly desirable coin in general circulation, but you’d have to be extremely lucky. Just 210,000 of these were minted in 2009, and to give you some context, last year saw the release of 9.6 million Queen Elizabeth II memorial 50p coins alone. Designed by Christopher Le Brun, this piece marks the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew and depicts its iconic Chinese Pagoda, adorned by climbing leaves. View now 2017 Sovereign Five-Coin Set Struck in 2017, this beautiful five-coin set celebrates the 200th anniversary of Benedetto Pistrucci’s legendary golden sovereign. The Italian medallist was brought over to England by the Prince Regent and went on to engrave his coin portrait when he became King George IV. While working on a commission by Lady Spencer to recreate St George in a Greek style, as opposed to the more traditional medieval imagery, he was inspired to use the design on the 1817 Sovereign. Pistrucci spectacularly captured the dramatic sense of motion of England’s patron saint on horseback, and this set is a fitting recreation of that masterpiece, coined in five denominations. View now Did you know… Shortly after creating the 1817 Sovereign, Benedetto Pistrucci was commissioned to create the Waterloo Medal to be presented to the generals who fought and won the eponymous 1815 battle. Due to creative disputes and growing health issues, Pistrucci only completed the work in 1849, and died shortly afterwards. 2021 Queen’s Beasts ‘Completer’ gold kilo PF70 Ultra Cameo The late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign saw the release of many famous coins, from the 1957 Sovereign to the 13-piece 2002 Golden Jubilee collection. And the feted Queen’s Beasts collection, minted between 2016 and 2021, represents each of the 10 statues that were created to form a guard of honour at the entrance of Westminster Abbey upon her coronation in 1953. Each statue represents an ancestral beast from royal houses throughout history, including the White Horse of Hanover and the White Greyhound of Richmond. This resplendent gold kilo ‘Completer’ coin is the last in the set, bringing all 10 beasts together on the reverse, surrounding the fifth coinage portrait of the Queen in a triumphant design by Jody Clark. View now Sell your coins through The Royal Mint Do you have some of your own coins to sell? The Royal Mint can help you find the right buyer – and get the right price. Get in touch with The Royal Mint’s expert consignment team today to find out just how easy it is. Enquire now Want to own a piece of history? Discover this exclusive consignment now! View the collection
Uncovering stories about places looked after by the National Trust using Findmypast’s records and newspapers
Findmypast hopes the stories they have uncovered will encourage others to research their own wartime ancestry.
This Remembrance Day, the team at online genealogy service Findmypast is determined to highlight all manner of extraordinary wartime stories. They want to honour the sacrifice of all those who served on the front line, as well as those on the home front, and make sure no one is forgotten. Harnessing the power of their database, which includes over 71 million historical newspaper pages and billions of records, they’re on a mission to ensure that we #RememberThemAll. Collaborating with the National Trust, they’ve taken a specific look at ten of England’s historical places which are looked after by the National Trust. They’ve uncovered dozens of stories from our wartime ancestors who lived and worked at these sites. Among their discoveries, anecdotes can be found from across the UK. From a country house-turned-wartime hospital in Devon, to the working-class struggle in Birmingham’s ‘Back to Back’ houses. All of this has been uncovered using material that is accessible with a Findmypast subscription. This includes exclusive access to the 1921 Census, which helps provide an understanding of how people lived in the years during and just after WWI. The team at Findmypast hopes these stories of places cared for by the National Trust will encourage others to delve deeper into their own ancestors' wartime history. To help inspire this, Findmypast is offering a 7-day free trial for all new subscribers. You can research your own history, look back at historical places of interest, view more stories about places cared for by the National Trust, or just browse from their library of resources – all without paying a penny. Sign up to Findmypast and get a free trial to explore records and newspapers for free Knightshayes: stories from a WWI hospital When the team at Findmypast was researching the historical stories of sites cared for by the National Trust, one place which stood out was Knightshayes Court, in Tiverton, Devon. Using their extensive library of newspaper records, they were able to get an insight into the important role the country house played during the First World War. Today, Knightshayes Court is enjoyed by hundreds of visitors each year as a country home and garden, but 100 years ago it served a very different purpose and was turned into a VAD (Voluntary Aid Detachment) at the outbreak of the First World War. Here, civilians volunteered to nurse those injured during WWI. Findmypast’s newspaper pages tell the stories of some of Knightshayes’ residents during this tumultuous period. Among them was Corporal Cooper, a soldier being treated in Knightshayes. He served with the South Staffordshire Regiment and newspapers reveal the nasty shrapnel injury he suffered whilst in France. They explain how he was left with 119 bullet wounds during the conflict and left unconscious for days. After travelling to Knightshayes for further treatment after his initial injury, Cooper became known for his surprisingly cheerful manner. He was dubbed ‘Mark Tapley’, after the character from Charles Dickens’s Martin Chuzzlewit known for remaining jolly in the face of hardship. Newspapers also tell the story of Dr Charles Liesching, who was the supervisor of Knightshayes Hospital from 1915 to 1919. Liesching was joined by his daughter, Nora, who volunteered as an assistant cook. The Liesching family’s contribution to the war went further with Charles’s son, William, enlisted in September 1913. Newspapers reveal that he went on to earn numerous medals and honours. These are just a few stories pulled from Findmypast’s historical newspapers. With more than 71 million newspaper pages to look through, there are billions more stories for you to uncover. Sign up to Findmypast and get a free trial to explore records and newspapers for free More stories from Findmypast: The 1921 Census and over 71 million historical newspapers As well as Knightshayes Court, other places looked after by the National Trust were researched by Findmypast to explore the stories of those who lived and worked there. One of the places they picked out was Birmingham’s ‘Back to Back’ houses. Their research revealed stories of the working-class struggle during wartime, and the conditions that veterans returned to upon arriving back to the West Midlands city. For example, the 1921 Census revealed that WWI veteran Charles Henry Hoare, who rose to Corporal Acting Sergeant, had to move back into the cramped conditions of the Back to Backs on return from war. He moved into 81 Hurst Street with his elderly parents, Charles and Annie. The exact conditions of his home aren’t known, but the Back to Backs were notoriously cramped. The 1921 Census revealed that one house had five different surnames under one roof and in one area 61 people were spread across just five small houses. As for Charles, he not only had to deal with a cramped return but he also had his ‘right arm off’ due to a gunshot injury suffered in Germany. The Census helped reveal his arm’s absence as well as awards he later received such as the 1914-15 Star and the King’s Certificate. Charles was granted a pension for life in May 1921 and died in February 1925. Other sites that Findmypast researched using the 1921 Census and their library of 71 million newspaper pages include Southwell Workhouse and Infirmary, Nottinghamshire, and A La Ronde, Devon, plus many more. You can view them all with a subscription to Findmypast and do so for free with a 7-day free trial. For more wartime stories and exclusive access to the 1921 Census, subscribe to Findmypast Remembering our wartime ancestors Findmypast’s research into sites cared for by the National Trust has helped us understand much about those living in the UK during the First World War. It has given an insight into the testing times people lived through and highlighted individual stories as part of their aim to #RememberThemAll. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are millions of people whose stories still need to be told. Findmypast wants to encourage people to research the lives of their ancestors who lived during wartime, both those who served on the front lines and the home front. Remembrance Day, and the period around it, provides the perfect time to reflect on these stories. Whether you’re interested in the involvement in the war of those in your own family tree, want to research a particular town/city's wartime involvement, or even investigate the wartime history of hundreds of other sites cared for by the National Trust around the country, Findmypast has the tools to help. Exclusive Census access, tens of millions of newspaper pages, genealogy records and family tree tips. Whatever your historical interest, you can discover something new with Findmypast’s material. With their 7-day free trial you’ll get all of this without paying a penny. What can you find, and who can you help to remember? Sign up to Findmypast and get a free trial to explore records and newspapers for free
Game your way to the zenith of power in ancient Egypt in Total War: Pharaoh
You can scheme and battle to the summit across three civilisations in the latest edition in the award-winning Total War series
The end is nigh for the great pharaoh Merneptah, and the people of Egypt are crying out for a new leader. That’s the situation that greets you when you start your campaign in Total War: Pharaoh. What follows is an impressively realised, highly detailed unfolding of a new history forged by your character, in which you must work your way to the seat of power. How you choose to do it is completely up to you. This is the latest in the all-conquering Total War series from British developers Creative Assembly – a series that has previously taken users through medieval Japan, the Napoleonic Wars and the Roman empire. Total War: Pharaoh allows you to immerse yourself in the different civilisations, factions and landscapes of Egypt around the collapse of the Bronze Age. It’s a period of massive turmoil and upheaval that’s reflected brilliantly in the gameplay. If you’re ready for a tilt at being the last great Pharaoh, read on to find out about the available civilisations, storylines and devilishly clever in-game mechanics that’ll make every scene and battle feel that much more real as you take on the challenge. On sale now Explore three different cultures Your map stretches over three distinct – but very much overlapping – areas: Egypt in the south, Canaan in the mid-east, and Anatolia in the north, home to the Hittites. Across these three peoples are eight playable characters you can choose from to inhabit for your assault on power: Ramesses, Seti, Amenmesse and Tausret in Egypt; Bay and Irsu in Canaan; and Šuppiluliuma and Kurunta in Anatolia. The aggression or guile with which you operate will vary greatly depending on which character you choose, ranging from skilful diplomats such as Bay right through to maniacal sociopaths like Kurunta. Each character reflects different aspects of the unique cultural, religious and political identities that surround them. The accurate reproduction of these worlds is one of this game’s greatest strengths; you can expect barren deserts and mountainous crags, as well as lush oases and bountiful vegetation along the banks of the Nile. Once you’ve chosen your universe – the next step is deciding how you’re going to become master of it. Immersive campaign options Total War: Pharaoh’s range of available campaign features allows you to indulge in the historical specifics, particularly the Pillars of Civilisation mechanic. This invokes the ancient Egyptian concept of the three tiers of stability, which underpin the civilised society. It’s this idyll that greets you as the game begins, but don’t forget this is the collapse of the Bronze Age, and things will soon take a turn for the worse. You’ll see the game’s mood turn visually darker, as instability grows and cataclysmic events such as hostile invasions and natural disasters start to befall your region. With the world on the brink of collapse, it falls to you to stem the tide and keep your civilisation afloat. The Pillars of Civilisation mechanic places great importance on upgrading and protecting cities in the image of the powerful deities so intrinsic to the Egyptians, so you can not only survive but thrive. Along with the main campaign features, you can also play the Royal Court feature, in which you hold political positions in court and attempt to leverage your influence. But be warned: much like real-life politics, there’s always someone out to get you. Even without holding a court position, you can gain favourability towards your faction with court members, and if you end up taking control, you can appoint your own generals and associates to any vacant positions. On sale now Let battle commence If you have any experience of historical gaming, you’ll know that a title truly lives and dies by its battle gameplay, and Total War: Pharaoh doesn’t disappoint. The Dynamic Weather system is a welcome addition to the already admirable combat realism of previous editions in the series. For the first time ever, this allows for changes of weather during a battle, based on the climate of the region you’re fighting in. For example, blazing heat can rapidly become a raging thunderstorm and, as a leader, you must be prepared for every eventuality. But this isn’t just for show – storms will reduce the effectiveness and range of missiles and, perhaps more importantly, the morale of your troops. Sandstorms will dramatically lower visibility and speed of movement, while sweltering heat will increase fatigue, reduce recovery and hasten the spread of fires. The animations have also been upgraded so movements appear more lifelike than ever before. You’ll have more control of unit stances too, so they can adapt to terrain changes and their opponents’ manoeuvres realistically, offering greater combat depth. So, whoever you’re fighting, you can be sure you’ll be made to work for your victories. But thanks to Creative Assembly’s continued commitment to going all-in on immersion, they’ll taste all the sweeter for it. Are you ready to pick a side and lead it to the top? On sale now To watch the full-length video stream of lionheartx10 and Dr Nicky Nielson playing Total War: Pharaoh, click here.