Doctor Who or Genealogy? You Decide

Last week, in the UK, the TV genealogy programme Who Do You Think You Are? had a military theme as it researched the great-uncle of Doctor Who actor Jodie Whittaker.  Some of the records used on the show to document his life are available online or in record offices. Note: In this post I'm not listing sources that presently charge for these records.

1901 census – for England & Wales, this is available via FamilySearch. You will need to be signed in to your account, or be viewing the record at a FamilySearch centre or affiliate.  Some of FamilySearch's records, such as the 1901 census, are subject to partnership viewing restrictions.  For Ireland, search on their National Archives website; for Scotland, images of the census may be accessed on microfilm at a public library, archive, or family history centre.

WWI Medal Card (WO 372/7/115041)

WWI Medal Cards – these are currently free from The National Archives (Kew). Registration with the website is required before you download the documents.  The web page includes a helpful guide to interpreting the different formats of medal card for this period.

War Graves - it's free to use the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website to find the names of war dead.  Additionally, the CWGC has very recently launched Our War Graves, Your History to promote local involvement in activities such as guided walks, family events, and public talks. Find out more about the work of the CWGC through their outreach programme, which includes virtual talks offered to community groups and schools.  Download their free War Graves app to help you locate memorials and headstones in your area.

This series of Who Do You Think You Are? begins with just four episodes.  The producers have expressed the hope that further instalments will be filmed at a later date.