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.
Click here for information about our events. Contact events@sog.org.uk if you have any questions.
Programme details
| Session | OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY or, Finding Your Napoleonic Soldier Relative | Online | 09/08/2025 | 10:30 - 11:30 |
| Session | No End of a Lesson: the Boer War (1899-1902) and its Legacies | Online | 09/08/2025 | 11:45 - 12:30 |
| Session | Travelling at the speed of Knots: Pre-war Maritime Movers | Online | 09/08/2025 | 13:30 - 14:15 |
| Session | The Great Siege of Gibraltar | Online | 09/08/2025 | 14:15 - 15:00 |
| Session | Auntie Kate Remembers Her First Husband, a Crimean War Veteran | Online | 09/08/2025 | 14:15 - 16:00 |
| Session | A Military Heritage: Finding Your British Army Lineage in Pre-20th Century Records | Online | 09/08/2025 | 16:00 - 16:45 |
About the Speaker
Cathie Sherwood
Passionate about history and addicted to family history, Cathie Sherwood has been researching her Irish, English and Scottish ancestors for over forty years. She is the owner of Family History Academy, an online learning provider offering high-quality, engaging courses and workshops taught by experienced and respected instructors. She is also the principal and founder of Ancestor Discovery, a professional family history research service. For over twenty years, in education and information and communication technology, Cathie managed research projects and developed innovative course curricula as a university academic. She has taken those skills and knowledge and now applies them to her current genealogy educator and presenter roles, professional researcher and web coordinator.
About the Speaker
Helen Shields
Helen Shields is one of 'The Few Forgotten Women' team. She has a One-Place Study of Sticklepath, and is a member of Devon FHS, Ryedale FHG and The Society for One-Place Studies.Originally Kezia Ching (1860-1933) Kate collected family photos and documents. Brought back to life by Helen Shields, she enlivens stories of her time. Kate did love her hats!
About the Speaker
Steve Brown
Steve Brown is the author of Fit to Command, By Fire and Bayonet, and editor of Autobiography, or Narrative of a Soldier, all available through Helion. He is also the author of Wellington’s Redjackets, the history of the 45th Regiment of Foot 1807-1815,
About the Speaker
Cynthia Brown
Cynthia Brown is a social historian who has conducted extensive research into her own family history. She is active in the field of oral history as a trustee of the Oral History Society, one of its Accredited Trainers, and co-author with Mary Stewart of the oral history and family history guidance on the Oral History Society website.
About the Speaker
Graham Bandy
Graham Bandy has spent most of his life either in the army, in nursing, or doing both. He runs Living Military History and specialises in military history research and the identification of military photographs, uniforms and cap badges.
About the Speaker
Jade Nunn
Jade Nunn’s naval interest evolved at the start of her genealogy journey, learning she had ancestors in the merchant navy and many more with roots in Portsmouth, working in the dockyard. Her expertise lies in the research and preservation of military records from both World Wars.
