THE WAR YEARS
Bringing Second World War history to life, one story at a time.
The War Years
The War Years exists to share the stories of ordinary people who lived through extraordinary times. By conducting research, writing and publishing, I bring Second World War military history to life.
What you'll find here
I publish regular articles on my blog exploring individual experiences, military operations and the human side of the Second World War. My research draws on archival documents, war diaries and service records to tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
I'm also the author of A History of the Guards Armoured Formations 1941-1945, published by Pen & Sword Military. The book covers the formation, training and operations of the Guards Armoured Division and 6th Guards Tank Brigade from 1941 to the end of the conflict in northwest Europe.
You can follow my work on Facebook and YouTube, where I share a range of WW2-related content.
Discover your relative’s service history
The question "What did you do in the war, Grandad?" often evokes deep, sometimes painful memories for veterans. These memories can range from everyday duties and basic training to intense combat experiences such as the D-Day landings, Arctic Convoys, and fighting in the Far East. Unfortunately, the Second World War is quickly fading from living memory, and many families have missed the chance to learn about their loved ones' military service firsthand. However, many families still want to understand what their relatives experienced during the war. I offer professional military history research services to help you uncover the stories behind your family member's service records.
This is specialist work. I spend days in archives examining war diaries and unit records. I transcribe handwritten documents and place individual service within its proper military and historical context. I then write detailed reports that explain what happened and why it mattered.
Research projects typically cost between £600 and £1000+, depending on the scope of work required.
If you want to discover your family's Second World War story, I can help.
