Links to Selected External Websites

UK & COMMONWEALTH

Veterans' Records, Support & Information

The Agency provides for the first time, a range of 'through life' support functions direct to around 900,000 serving and ex-Service personnel. Click on the logo opposite or free phone 0800 169 2277, Text phone 0800 169 3458 or Email veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk

Veterans UK - Service Records.

Information, advice and guidance on obtaining copies of service records.

Veterans Affairs Canada.

Links to the home page of this comprehensive Canadian Government site. Includes a great amount of historical information from official sources and personal reminiscences, research facilities, a youth section, special features and much more besides.

UK Home Front in WW2.

Without the contributions, sacrifices, fortitude and determination of the people of the UK, the outcome of the Second World War would have been very different. The war changed Britain and its people forever and, with the passage of time, the imperative and mission of this website is to keep the memory alive of the social, personal and military aspects of the war years in the UK that combine to form what we now know as the 'Home Front'. What they did so long ago still resonates in our lives today.

The extensive military collection on findmypast

It includes 3.6 million records from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Britain and the United States.
This comprehensive collection of armed forces and conflict records provide a great resource to assist you in searching for your military ancestors. Discover more about your family's military past and learn more about your brave ancestors' achievements and efforts during wars around the world.

Help for Heroes.

Their mission is to deliver an enduring national network of support for our wounded and their families. We will inspire and enable those who have made sacrifices on our behalf to achieve their full potential. The war in Afghanistan may be nearly over, but for those who have suffered life-changing injuries, their battles are just beginning. We will not let them fight these battles alone.

UK National Archive.

This is a vast site covering many aspects of life in the UK. Amongst the records held, but not available on-line, are some on Combined Operations. These can be accessed by personal callers or remotely via a list of independent researchers (search fee to be negotiated with the researcher of your choice).

Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

The "Debt of Honour Register" is the Commission's database listing the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who died during the two world wars and the 23,000 cemeteries, memorials and other locations world-wide where they are commemorated. The register can also be searched for details of the 67,000 Commonwealth civilians who died as a result of enemy action in the Second World War.

Forces Reunited

The largest UK database of Armed Forces and Ex-Forces Personnel on the web. You are more likely to find your old UK forces friends here (and they are more likely to find you) than anywhere else on the web, fact! Forces Reunited^® lets you find old friends and colleagues plus read what they are doing now. It's free to register, search and browse entries for the members listed.

The Military Heraldry Society

The Society has "collections of cloth formation signs (shoulder sleeve insignia, shoulder titles, regimental and unit flashes and similar items" Contact the Publicity Officer, Hubert H Long. Tel: 01952 408830 or 01952 270221 E-Mail

Internet Archive.

Selected Navy records on line free. The Internet Archive, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is building a digital library of Internet sites and other cultural artefacts in digital form. Like a paper library, it provides free access to researchers, historians, scholars, and the general public.

North East War Memorials Project A comprehensive record of war memorials in the North East of England to assist members of the public, local and family history groups, historical societies, military historians, schools and individuals to learn about their local memorials through research.

HMS Intrepid (L11)

A forum for old shipmates of HMS Intrepid to pull up a bollard and swing a lantern. Also the home of the HMS Intrepid Association.

D-Day Guide.

General or tailored guided visits to the Normandy beaches and their hinterland by an experienced guide and artist.

NAVAL-HISTORY.NET 1998-2013

Archived by British Library, US Library of Congress, Bavarian State Library. WW1, inter-war, WW2 and post WW2. Naval-History.Net started with two books written by Gordon Smith on the War at Sea in World War 2 and Battles of the Falklands. It has since expanded, not only with his own World War 1 and 2 researches, but such work as RN casualty lists 1914 to the present and daily RN ship movements 1939 to March 1942 by American researcher Don Kindell and 1,000 WW2 ship histories by Lt Cdr Geoff Mason Rtd. Naval-History.Net is listed in the top 10 websites in a "A Guide to Military History on the Internet" by Simon Fowler of the National Archives.

USA

US Department of Veteran Affairs Crisis Hotline Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.

Planning for Life after Discharge How to Plan for Life After Discharge: A Guide for Veterans.

Surviving Spouses Resources Learn how we, as military families ourselves, interact with our own community to understand what issues are the most significant. Find out what you can do to make sure that the well-being of military wives, husbands, children, parents, and siblings is at the forefront of policymakers’ minds.

Medicare for veterans. To help veterans better understand their health care coverage options. The guide goes over how Medicare works with VA benefits and TRICARE, eligibility requirements and covered services.

Advice and information on mobility aids home aids, care giving and well being from someone with personal experience and understanding of the impact of disability on the quality of life. As Jackie Benardout says, "We have recently created a comprehensive guide on available benefits for veterans and their caregivers to assist with day-to-day living. This guide covers a range of topics, including:

Different types of benefits that are available for veterans and their caregivers, including financial, housing, transportation and care giving support,
Veterans and caregivers entitlement to respite care,
Support groups available for veterans and caregivers."

Places To Visit

Imperial War Museum.

It's probably easier to list what's not on this site! Includes Duxford Air museum, Cabinet War Rooms, HMS Belfast, 1940s House and thousands of other references. Well worth many visits!

The National Memorial Arboretum

The Arboretum is set in the pleasant countryside of Staffordshire, between the towns of Lichfield and Burton-upon-Trent. It provides a living and lasting focus for remembrance essentially for those who have lost their lives or suffered in the service of their country. It is a haven of peace and contemplation and is the location of the Combined Operations Memorial.

The Gazelle Squadron Display Team.

The Gazelle Squadron is a unique team of ex-British Military Gazelle helicopters in their original military colours and with their original military registrations. The core team includes four Gazelles, one from each service; The Royal Navy, The Royal Marines, The Army Air Corps and The Royal Air Force. A fifth Gazelle in Royal Marines colours will provide intimate support for the Team. Their crest, includes the Combined Operations badge. The last, and possibly, only time the badge was seen on an aircraft was in the early mid 40s. A photo of the Hurricane concerned is included in the 516 Squadron webpage.

There are around 300 books listed on our 'Combined Operations Books' page. They, or any other books you know about, can be purchased on-line from the Advanced Book Exchange (ABE). Their search banner link, on our 'Books' page, checks the shelves of thousands of book shops world-wide. Just type in, or copy and paste the title of your choice, or use the 'keyword' box for book suggestions. There's no obligation to buy, no registration and no passwords.

[Many of these links have been suggested by third parties and are reproduced here for the convenience of veterans and their families. Inclusion of a link on this web page does not imply endorsement by combinedops.com. If any fees are involved, please understand fully the terms and conditions before commitment].