A Portrait of a Nation Preparing for War

A Portrait of a Nation Preparing for War

A Portrait of a Nation Preparing for War

Explore the 1939 register to see the most complete picture of civilians in England & Wales following the outbreak of World War II.

Explore the 1939 register to see the most complete picture of civilians in England & Wales following the outbreak of World War II.

Explore the 1939 register to see the most complete picture of civilians in England & Wales following the outbreak of World War II.

The 1939 Register is a crucial bookmark at the beginning of Britain’s World War II story, shedding a unique light upon this momentous period in modern history.

The 1939 Register is a crucial bookmark at the beginning of Britain’s World War II story, shedding a unique light upon this momentous period in modern history.

Not only does it capture the most comprehensive snapshot of an entire generation, it also tells the story of a nation once again preparing itself for the realities of war. The 1939 Register is an invaluable resource for family, social and local historians alike – and, its origin story is just as compelling as the records found within it.

Not only does it capture the most comprehensive snapshot of an entire generation, it also tells the story of a nation once again preparing itself for the realities of war. The 1939 Register is an invaluable resource for family, social and local historians alike – and, its origin story is just as compelling as the records found within it.

It all began in September 1939.

It all began in September 1939.

As World War II became inevitable, the British government pushed forward with a national registration process. This enabled them to issue identity papers and ration books to every citizen in England & Wales.

As World War II became inevitable, the British government pushed forward with a national registration process. This enabled them to issue identity papers and ration books to every citizen in England & Wales.

However, as significant as this was at the time, few would have predicted just how important this resource would become for future generations.

However, as significant as this was at the time, few would have predicted just how important this resource would become for future generations.

The 1931 census was destroyed in a fire, while the 1941 census was never recorded. These are both reasons why the 1939 Register is so valuable, as it helps bridge a 30-year gap in census data.

The 1931 census was destroyed in a fire, while the 1941 census was never recorded. These are both reasons why the 1939 Register is so valuable, as it helps bridge a 30-year gap in census data.

Notably, the 1939 Register was used to form the basis of the NHS Central Register. And, as updates were continually made in the years that followed, authentic changes to records remain visible throughout the collection today - adding an additional layer of richness.

Notably, the 1939 Register was used to form the basis of the NHS Central Register. And, as updates were continually made in the years that followed, authentic changes to records remain visible throughout the collection today - adding an additional layer of richness.

The register includes records where maiden names have been physically crossed out and replaced by marital surnames, for instance.

The register includes records where maiden names have been physically crossed out and replaced by marital surnames, for instance.

You can also delve even deeper into the wartime experiences of your ancestors - where they lived at the start of World War II and the role they played in their community.

You can also delve even deeper into the wartime experiences of your ancestors - where they lived at the start of World War II and the role they played in their community.

For example, Mr. William Hammond is listed as a school teacher by occupation, yet additional notes detail his activity as a Home Front volunteer with the St John Ambulance Brigade.

For example, Mr. William Hammond is listed as a school teacher by occupation, yet additional notes detail his activity as a Home Front volunteer with the St John Ambulance Brigade.

Besides finding names, dates of birth and addresses, it’s the small details in this living document that really bring it to life and may help you unearth fascinating and unexpected discoveries about your family.

Besides finding names, dates of birth and addresses, it’s the small details in this living document that really bring it to life and may help you unearth fascinating and unexpected discoveries about your family.

And, with thousands of records just like William Hammond’s, who knows where your research will take you?

And, with thousands of records just like William Hammond’s, who knows where your research will take you?

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