How can you learn more about your military ancestors?

Enjoy a full day of fascinating talks about aspects of the military prior to 1914. Full details below. A copy of My Ancestor Was in the British Army by Michael Watts and Christopher Watts is included for everyone who books a place, postage outside the UK is at an additional price.

Get your early military questions answered by the experts at the end of the day, who will be on hand for a Q&A.

• Ticket price includes a copy of My Ancestor Was in the British Army by Christopher and Michael Watts (postage within UK only)

• Recordings available until 23 August. Pre-booking essential.

A Military Heritage: Finding Your British Army Lineage in pre-20th Century Records with Cathie Sherwood

Many family trees include a soldier, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries when Britain maintained a vast military presence worldwide. Tracing these ancestors can be a rewarding yet complex challenge. While 20th-century military records are relatively accessible, earlier records require understanding their historical context and the systems that created them. This presentation explores British military history during the 18th and 19th centuries and the diverse range of available records. From muster rolls to pension records, we'll examine key collections at The National Archives (UK), regimental archives, military museums, and digital repositories. These documents offer valuable insights into army ancestors' lives, revealing their experiences from enlistment to discharge or death. Whether your ancestor served in Britain or across the Empire, understanding these records is essential to uncovering their military service story.

OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY or, Finding Your Napoleonic Soldier Relative with Steve Brown

The British army of the period 1793-1815 was very different to the British army of today, and an understanding of how it operated is essential to knowing how to look for soldier ancestors. This talk will focus upon the following elements: - The structure of the army - Ranks and promotion - 'Other' armies - the Fencibles, Volunteers, Militia and East India Company armies - Available records and where to find them - And how to understand them! - Problems and traps (and how to to avoid them) on sites such as Ancestry.

No end of a lesson – the Boer War (1899-1902) and its legacies with Cynthia Brown

‘Napoleon and all his veterans have never treated us so roughly as these hard-bitten farmers with their ancient theology and their inconveniently modern rifles’, wrote Arthur Conan Doyle of the war in South Africa between 1899 and 1902. One of the most unpopular in the history of modern Britain, it called into question not only the competence of the British military, but the morality of imperial rule, and the extent to which the state should take responsibility for the health and welfare of its citizens at home. This talk will look briefly at the origins of the war before considering the experience of the British troops who fought in it, both in terms of the obstacles posed by its logistics, and the unexpected tenacity of the Boer ‘farmers’ who fought against them. It will also identify some of the legacies of the war for Britain itself.

Travelling at the speed of Knots: Pre-war Maritime Movers with Jade Nunn

Tracing your ancestors across the seas by utilising records such as muster rolls (TNA), the use of naval ships in the transportation of prisoners to the 'new world' and down under (variety of sources). And some of the boys admitted to the Greenwich Hospital School and what became of them (TNA). These historical sources offer valuable details about military service, migration patterns and events that may include another chapter, into your family's history.

Auntie Kate remembers her first husband, a Crimean War Veteran with Helen Shields

The redoubtable Auntie Kate talks about veteran of the second Crimean war, Private William Middle (1825-1912) and her life with him.

The Great Siege of Gibraltar with Graham Bandy

The Great Siege of Gibraltar, which was the longest ever siege in military history and how we won. Explains why so many British cap badges have castles on them… 

Click here for information about our events.  Contact events@sog.org.uk if you have any questions.