A Tommy in the Family

Genealogist and historian Keith Gregson takes the reader on a whistle-stop tour of First World War family stories, from the heart-warming to the tear-jerking. The entries tell the story behind each discovery and then offer an insight into how the researcher found and followed up their leads. They reveal a range of chance encounters and detective qualities required of a family historian. Full of unexpected twists and turns, A Tommy in the Family will fascinate anyone with an interest in the First World War, and help them to find out more about their ancestors who participated in one of the most troubled conflicts in the history of mankind.

Résumé
The First World War was one of the deadliest conflicts in history, and one of the most far-reaching. As a result, almost everyone's family history has a Great War connection. In A Tommy in the Family, family historian Keith Gregson explores the human stories behind the history of the war, from the heartwarming to the tear-jerking. He encounters the mystery of the disappearance of the Norfolks; the story of a French girl's note in a soldier's pocket book; and the tragic tale of a group of morris dancers who paid the ultimate price while serving their country. The investigations that preceded each discovery are explored in detail, offering an insight into how the researcher found and followed up their leads. They reveal a range of chance findings, some meticulous analysis and the keen detective qualities required of a family historian. Full of handy research tips and useful background information, A Tommy in the Family will fascinate anyone with an interest in the First World War and help them to find out more about their ancestors who participated in one of the most troubled conflicts in the history of mankind