Hunt Your History at Navy Days 2010
Navy Days is a fantastic opportunity to explore the Royal Navy of the present and the future, but it is also a fascinating opportunity to delve into the past, at this hugely popular event that has been taking place since 1927!
This year, visitors will have the chance to discover their own military history when the Naval Historical Branch, located opposite HMS Victory, opens its doors with a panel of experts ready and waiting to give advice on naval family history.
Jock Gardner, one of the branch’s historians, said: “We will be able to point visitors in the right direction, advising on what historical documents they would need to answer particular queries. Also if people bring along ancestors’ service certificates we can help explain information contained within them.”
The Historical Branch''s archive dates back to the point at which the Historical Section was first founded by Winston Churchill in 1914 and consists of around 160,000 records, acting as the Navy and MoD''s corporate memory. They also help advise the media, assisting in many documentaries and TV dramas such as the ITV series ‘Making Waves’.
In addition, there will be an expert from the MOD’s medal office on hand to answer questions on Royal Navy medals and awards.
A variety of fascinating facts can also be found in The Ayshford Trafalgar Roll, on special display in the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Visitors can search the display ‘Who was at Trafalgar?’, which lists personal details on over 18,000 men who served in the British fleet at Trafalgar (including nearly 3,000 Marines), and also includes The Complete Navy List of the Napoleonic Wars with details on 11,000 officers who served in the Royal Navy between 1793 and 1815.
This mine of information on the Ayshford Trafalgar Roll was compiled over the past 25 years by Pamela and Derek Ayshford, who set themselves the task of working through the relevant records - muster books, surgeons’ logs, prize money registers, pension records, etc - to produce a definitive reference guide to the heroes of the Navy’s finest hour.
So, Trivial Pursuit buffs can learn that there were in fact 9 ‘Nelsons’ at the battle, two of whom came from Denmark. But, more seriously, the Roll will help anyone tracing their family tree discover if they had an ancestor at Trafalgar.
Navy Days in Portsmouth runs for three days from July 30. Already confirmed among the star attractions are new Type 45 destroyers HMS Daring and Dauntless, plus the aviation training and casualty receiving ship RFA Argus.
Over 800 years of naval history will be brought to life at every turn with historical re-enactment displays, a cast of hundreds of costumed characters, thrilling naval displays, and the world-class attractions of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, including HMS Victory, the Mary Rose Museum and HMS Warrior 1860, to guarantee a fantastic, fun-filled day out for all the family!
Visitors will require a ticket to Navy Days 2010 for free consultations at the Naval Historical Branch and entry to the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Further information, including ticket details, is available at www.navydaysuk.co.uk
