The Royal Navy in World War Two for Family Historians
Richard Marks
- Region:
- South East
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Professional
- Fee:
- Paid: £75 plus travel @45p per mile up to 50 miles from Reading. Can also be run online
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 10th January 2024
- Tagged:
- Family History | Royal Navy | World War 2 | Royal Marines
This talk is designed for Family Historians who are researching their relatives who served in the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Fleet Air Arm and the Women’s Royal Naval Service in World War Two.
The Royal Navy was active across the globe during the war with service personnel from all branches serving everywhere the navy needed them. Modern warships and technology helped the navy retain command of the seas but what did all this mean to the people who served in the navy?
We will look at the ranks, roles and divisions of the navy and what that meant to the lives of the people who served in order to help researchers gain an understanding of what family relatives were doing during the war. The talk will unravel some of terminology and jargon used by the navy and sailors referred to including what the classification of different types of warships meant to the roles they undertook and how this impacted the service lives of their crews both at sea and ashore.
The Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS) was an important part of the navy’s work during the war and so we will look at the structure, ranks and roles of the service as well as where the women of the WRNS served. The Second World War saw the battleship eclipsed as the ‘Queen of the Seas’ by the Aircraft Carrier and its aircraft and we will look at what this meant to the men of the Fleet Air Arm, what aircraft they flew and the operations they undertook.
Photographs can sometimes be tricky to decipher so we will look at some tips on what clues may be hiding in old family photographs which will help add more to the story of a family.
We will also look at where documents and sources useful to exploring family history related to the navy may be found.
Views: 630 | Enquiries: 0About Richard Marks
I am a freelance professional historian residing in Berkshire. I specialize in industrial, military, and railway history, as well as the history of science. My current research focuses on industrial and social change during the Victorian era, the progression of Britain's railway and canal systems in the latter half of the 19th century, and the broader history of British industry. I earned my PhD in history from the University of Reading in 2024 and also have experience teaching a range of historical subjects to diverse groups.
My talks are suitable for different audiences and group sizes. I can adjust the length and format to meet your needs. My goal is to inform and entertain, and to leave the audience with a new insight and a desire to learn more.
My previous career in technology, working with British and international manufacturing companies, has given me a unique perspective as an historian.
Feedback from previous talks: "Richard had clearly done a massive amount of research and preparation. He is an excellent presenter very knowledgeable and engaging speaker. It was informative and thought provoking."
"I found the whole subject fascinating and wanted to learn more."
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- So You Think We Do Not Make Anything Anymore ? British Manufacturing in the 21st Century
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