This week can perhaps be characterized as Naval Gazing.
British Women’s Royal Naval Service Enrolment, 1917–1919
Years covered: 1917–1919
Records added: 4,838
The WRNS enabled women to take on shore-based naval roles such as clerical work, communications, driving, cookery, and technical support, releasing men for service at sea. Compiled by naval authorities, the records typically include a woman’s name, service details, and dates of enlistment and discharge. For family historians. You may be surprised to find service overseas, such as in Malta. Sourced from the National Museum of the Royal Navy.
Royal Naval Division Service Records, 1914–1920
Years covered: 1914–1920
Records added: 4,730
The men of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines served on land during the First World War, fighting alongside the Army from Gallipoli to the Western Front. Drawn from The National Archives and the National Museum of the Royal Navy, these records are exceptionally detailed and will give you a combination of the following information about your ancestor: biographical information including name, date of birth, address, occupation, religion, and name and address of next of kin; swimming ability; appearance details such as hair colour, eye colour, distinguishing marks including tattoos and scars, height, chest size, and complexion; and service history including rank, service number, where stationed, wounds or illnesses, awards, and disciplinary action.
Navy Lists
Years covered: 1921–1937
Records added: 10,469,334
Published regularly, these lists detail officer appointments, promotions, ship assignments, and the fleet’s structure. Follow the careers of naval officers year by year.
Newspapers
This week’s additions include four new titles. The earliest starts in 1786.
| Publication Title | Date Range | Pages Added | Status |
| Herne Bay Gazette | 1986–1999 | 61,784 | New |
| Ayrshire Post | 1987, 1995–1999 | 35,678 | Update |
| Kirriemuir Herald | 1957–2004 (gaps) | 27,580 | Update |
| Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale Herald | 1863–1950 (gaps) | 19,238 | Update |
| Maidstone Journal & Kentish Advertiser | 1786–1829 (gaps) | 8,750 | Update |
| Irish Temperance League Journal | 1863–1896 | 7,480 | New |
| Leyland Guardian | 2005 | 4,492 | Update |
| Helensburgh and Gareloch Times | 1882–1892 | 2,220 | New |
| Marlborough Times | 1915–1919 | 1,806 | Update |
| Islington Gazette | 1919 | 1,076 | Update |
| Larne Weekly Recorder… | 1883 | 216 | New |