16 January 2025
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Join us for a live webinar with researcher Dr Dean Kirby as he demonstrates how he followed his ancestor's final journey across the Somme – and shares practical advice to help you plan your own First World War research trip too. From those first preparations, through essential kit and research steps, to writing up your family story.
Finding First World War Ancestors on the Somme
Dean Kirby is an award-winning journalist, an urban historian, non-fiction history author and a professional genealogist.
In 2018, he travelled to the Somme area of France and cycled along the old frontline researching the final journey taken by his great-uncle, George Grindley.
In this talk, you will hear how he retraced George’s route through fields, woods and tunnels using trench maps and war records and narrowly avoided being struck by lightning and shot by game hunters.
He will show you how you can build up the story of your soldier ancestors while visiting places where they took shelter, fought and died.
The talk will cover skills and tips including:
- Planning your trip beforehand
- What to take with you
- Guidance on travelling to and making your way around the Somme region
- Useful guidebooks,
- How to use battalion war diaries
- How to find the frontline using trench maps and satellites
- Ways to make contact with French history groups
- And, last but not least, writing up your ancestor's story.
How to watch the webinar:
The webinar will take place on Zoom on Thursday 6th February 2025, 1pm UK time with Dr Dean Kirby.
This webinar presentation is part of the programme brought to you by Family Tree Plus.
The online learning session will last one hour: with a 30-40 minute presentation, followed by time for questions.
Get your ticket for £10, or join Family Tree Plus for just £5, come along to this webinar and attend four webinars every month! Already a Family Tree Plus member? Log in now to get your link.
If you have any queries about the presentation or about Family Tree Plus, please email [email protected]
About the speaker:
Dean Kirby is an award-winning investigative journalist whose nominations include the Orwell Prize for Exposing Britain's Social Evils. He used open-source tools including satellites to become the first reporter to reveal the existence of Russian filtration camps in Ukraine. He has a PhD in urban history and has had a life-long interest in genealogy.
He also offers genealogy research services, including help in locating ancestors' homes demolished in slum clearances, and can be contacted at [email protected].
