Forces War Records

ALT A dramatic black and white photograph for International Nurses' Day showing four nurses in traditional white aprons and veils working amidst the ruins of a bombed-out hospital ward during WWII. The ceiling has collapsed, leaving a mass of shattered timber and debris across the floor. Despite the devastation, the nurses are calmly tidying a patient's bed and clearing wreckage. A dark green text block at the top reads 'International Nurses' Day'. The image powerfully illustrates the bravery and steadfastness of the nursing profession during the conflict.

ALT A group of people in military uniform are joyfully linking arms and walking down a street. Above them, large text reads "VE Day 2026." A logo for Forces War Records by Ancestry is at the bottom.

ALT A poignant black and white photograph from May 1941 showing three Red Cross nurses walking arm-in-arm with four elderly Chelsea Pensioners in a countryside setting. The pensioners, some wearing traditional peaked caps and two using walking sticks for support, are being helped through a field with a large, blossoming tree in the background. The nurses wear white veils and aprons prominently featuring the Red Cross symbol. This image captures the survivors of the Royal Hospital Chelsea following the bombing of the Soane Infirmary, enjoying the safety of the Home Counties. The Forces War Records logo is visible in the bottom right corner.

ALT A black and white photograph from a 1944 wartime publication, titled 'The Loneliest Seat in the Sky'. The image shows Rear Gunner J. Morgan tightly framed within the cramped glass and metal rear turret of a Lancaster Bomber, 'D for Dog'. He is wearing a flight helmet and oxygen mask, looking upwards with a focused expression. Four large machine gun barrels flank the turret, pointing skyward. Below the photograph, the original printed caption describes his role in a raid on railway yards near Juvisy, Paris, on the night of 18th April. The overall layout captures the claustrophobic and high-stakes environment of Bomber Command aircrew.

ALT A 1944 black and white photograph, part of a Bank Holiday greeting, showing a large group of jovial Royal Navy sailors on shore leave. They are gathered on a wet, paved coastal road, all on bicycles. Many sailors are waving their sailor caps high in the air in celebration. In the foreground, one sailor joyfully gives a piggyback ride to another sailor as he rides his bike, both waving their caps. The top-left corner features a modern dark green text block with the white text, 'Wishing everyone a relaxing Bank Holiday weekend'. Based on original photo caption: 'Sailors From One the the Navies Submarine Seen Here Enjoying Some Shore Leave With Bicycles Provided By Raleigh. February 1944'.

ALT Original caption reads: 'South Shields Mothers and Young Children in Cheerful Mood, Marching to the Station For Evacuation to the Country. 9th September 1939.' Some are carrying suitcases. Nearly all are carrying their gasmasks in a cardboard box, attached to a string, worn over one shoulder.