An incredible set of records of the population of England and Wales at the start of the Second World War is free to search for the next month.
Family history website Findmypast has announced it is offering free access to the 1939 Register until 9 May 2025 as part of celebrations of the 80th anniversary of VE Day, or the end of the war in Europe.
The 1939 Register was conducted by the British government on 29 September 1939, soon after the start of the war. It is a complete record of the civilian population of Britain at the time, including the records of over 45 million people. Similar to a census, it records who lived at each house, as well as details such as their date of birth, marital status and occupation.
Sarah Bush, managing director of Findmypast, said: “VE Day marked a momentous victory, but it was also a testament to the resilience, sacrifices, and spirit of families across the UK. Start your journey of discovery by searching in the 1939 Register for free to find your ancestors on the eve of war. Then delve deeper into your ancestors’ wartime experiences within Findmypast’s vast archive of newspapers, military records, and photographs, and gain a deeper understanding of how this turbulent period shaped their lives.”
