Fw: News from The National Archives | September 2011

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----- Forwarded Message ----
From: The National Archives <nationalarchives@enews.nationalarchives.gov.uk>
To: "lewisfromoz@btinternet.com" <lewisfromoz@btinternet.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 7 September, 2011 11:23:12
Subject: News from The National Archives | September 2011

View this email in your browser New Merchant Navy records now available online We have some exciting news for you this month - findmypast.co.uk has just released 1 million Merchant Navy seamen records. Dating from 1918 to 1941, these records cover a significant era in nautical history, when ocean travel was at its peak. The Merchant Navy covered all cargo and passenger ships and their crew, so if your ancestor 'went to sea' and you've previously not found them in Royal Navy records, this may be where they're hiding. The records, which are now available online*, contain rarely seen photos of the mariners along with descriptions including hair and eye colour, height and distinguishing marks.  Don't forget we have some useful guides on our website to help with your research into merchant seamen. And if you'd like to read more, My Ancestor was a Merchant Seaman is available in paperback from our bookshop. Good luck with your research! Laura Cowdrey Editor From the bookshop: discounts off selected titles on women and the Second World War To celebrate the role and achievements of women during the Second World War we're offering a range of discounts in our bookshop. I Only Joined For The Hat, a witty account of life as a WREN and Land Girl, a copy of the practical guide given to the volunteers of the Women's Land Army, are both only £8.99. Browse our online bookshop. Search other merchant seamen records online If you've discovered a seafaring ancestor in your family tree you may also be interested in our Merchant Navy medal cards from the First World War and the Second World War. Merchant shipping movement cards for the Second World War are also available and there's a handy guide to interpreting them, using the SS Athenia as an example. Search the records now*. Have you explored our new Discovery service? We want to know what you think of our new Discovery service.  Tweet us using #tnadiscovery. Save the date! On 14 April 2012 we will be holding a one-day conference about RMS Titanic. Online booking will open later in September, check our website for details or look out for more information in next month's enewsletter. What's on at Kew We hold free talks every Thursday afternoon. This month's talks include: Untold story of women in the Crimea War Births, marriages & deaths in The National Archives Listen online Our recommended podcasts this month are: Galaxy Zoo & Old Weather Merchant Navy Operational Records New intelligence from the Security Service 171 new files from MI5 have recently been released. They shed new light on double agents, espionage and the individuals being monitored during the Second World War and beyond. Read more online. Received this from a friend? Sign up here to get your own copy. Follow us on Twitter @UkNatArchives Become a fan on Facebook *Searching the records is free but a small charge applies to view full transcripts and download documents. You are receiving this email because you requested The National Archives' monthly enewsletter and other information we think might interest you. If you would like to remove your details please use the link below. We use an email distribution company to send out this enewsletter. We will not pass your data onto any other third parties. Please read our privacy statement for more information. Crown copyright 2011 The National Archives, Kew, Surrey, TW9 4DU, UK Unsubscribe from this newsletter