Product Ref: FHF-064
Second World War 1939-1945, The by Phil Tomaselli
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The Second World War 1939–1945 by Phil Tomaselli is a concise yet powerful guide for family historians seeking to uncover the military service of ancestors during WWII. Part of the Military History Sources for Family Historians series, this 47-page A5 paperback is published by the Federation of Family History Societies and remains a go-to resource for navigating wartime records.
Here’s what makes it especially useful:
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Focus on service records: While many individual records remain restricted, Tomaselli highlights alternative sources such as medal rolls, unit war diaries, POW records, and merchant marine files.
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Archival guidance: Offers practical advice on accessing materials at The National Archives, regimental museums, and other repositories.
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Organized by service branch: Covers the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and Merchant Navy, with tips for interpreting references like WO 167 and WO 166.
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Research strategies: Helps readers navigate anomalies in record-keeping, such as armoured units listed under cavalry, and includes suggestions for further reading.
It’s ideal for anyone tracing wartime ancestors or building context around family stories from 1939–1945
ISBN : 9781860062018