Discovering Your Roots: Exploring Family History Through the Staffordshire History Centre

Interest in family history has grown enormously in recent years. Whether inspired by TV shows like Who Do You Think You Are?, major anniversaries such as the D-Day 80th, or the passing of a loved one, more people than ever are exploring their family’s past.

Military history often sits at the heart of these journeys. But it’s not just about medals or battles—it’s about people. Their courage, choices, and experiences. For many, researching a relative’s service is a personal mission, a quiet act of remembrance, or a way to preserve stories before they’re lost.

Every family has its reasons. Perhaps there’s a medal in a drawer, a name on a war memorial, or an old photo in uniform. Some want to confirm long-told stories; others hope to pass them on. For younger generations, it’s a way of understanding their roots. For older relatives, it’s about safeguarding memories before they fade.

I found myself on this journey too. I knew my Great Uncle John was a Royal Navy veteran of D-Day, helping deliver troops onto Sword Beach, but that was the extent of it as he, as is typical of his generation and perfectly understandably, preferred not to talk about it.  But through further research, I uncovered his role in the Salerno landings and the much-needed supply convoys to the besieged island of Malta convoys—details he never shared himself (and incidentally, where he had his honeymoon post-war). I also learned of another great uncle, a Flight Sergeant and Spitfire pilot with No. 54 Squadron. He originally trained as telegraphist, before being reassigned to train as a pilot. Sadly he killed in action during his first mission over Darwin, Australia, trying to prevent Japanese bombers from reaching the town. Their stories had sat quietly in the background of our family history—until curiosity brought them into the light.

Many families with Staffordshire roots make similar discoveries. A quiet grandfather who served in the Second World War, a great-uncle forever changed by the trenches, or someone who did National Service during the Cold War—each story adds depth to our shared past.

So, where do you begin?

Start at the Staffordshire History Centre

Based in Stafford, the Staffordshire History Centre is home to a collection of Staffordshire military records, personal letters, photographs, and some regimental histories. Whether your ancestor served in the army, navy, air force, or civilian services, our archives may hold valuable clues to their life and service.

The History Access Point: Friendly Guidance to Get You Started

Our History Access Point, based at the Lichfield Hub, is run by a team of knowledgeable volunteers who offer free advice and support every Tuesday and Thursday morning. You don’t need to be an expert—or even know where to start. Bring whatever you have: a name, a photo, a vague family story—and we’ll help you make sense of it.

Tips for Researching Your Family’s Military Past

If you’re just starting out, here are a few useful tools and sources to begin your journey:

• Forces War Records (uk.forceswarrecords.com) A searchable database of service records, including medal rolls, casualty lists, and unit histories.
• Ancestry.co.uk and Findmypast.co.uk: Both offer access to military records, including census data, service papers, and war diaries. Many local libraries offer free access.
• The National Archives (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk): Particularly useful for digitised service records, especially for First and Second World War service.
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission (www.cwgc.org): Searchable records of those who died in service, with cemetery and memorial information.
• Regimental Museums and Associations: These often hold unpublished records, photographs, and detailed histories of individual units.
• Talk to Family Members: Often, stories or small details can unlock wider discoveries. Ask about names, places, and roles—even partial memories can be helpful.

Get Involved

If you’re curious about your family’s military past, why not visit the Staffordshire History Centre or drop in to the History Access Point? You don’t need a service number or even a full name. Often, just knowing a time period, regiment, or location is enough to get started.

Every name has a story. Every story matters. Let us help you discover yours.

Rab Cooper – Community History Development Officer