Discover the rich and often overlooked history of Britain's Merchant Navy in the 20th century in this engaging talk, which explores the lives and careers of merchant seamen through the lens of real-life case studies. From apprenticeships in the 1930s to post-war service and tragic ends, this session will guide you through the diverse records available for researching these vital maritime workers. Whether examining crew lists, service records or log books, you'll learn how to navigate the complexities of seafaring archives and uncover the compelling personal stories hidden within. Perfect for family historians eager to trace ancestors who served at sea, this talk offers both practical guidance and fascinating insight.
About this event:
- Talk on Zoom with Richard Holt, Professional Genealogist.
- Gold Members: Included in Membership. Book a spot to watch live. No pre-booking required to view the recording, which will be available in your video library until 5 June 2026.
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Not a Gold Member yet? Existing members get your upgrade price here. Non-members, find out more about Gold here.
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Non and Standard Members: Recording available for one month when you pre-book.

About the Speaker
Richard Holt
Richard Holt is a professional genealogist and runs his own research business, Holt’s Family History Research. Prior to becoming a professional researcher, Richard worked in a number of schools as an Early Years teacher and senior leader. He has a deep-rooted belief that learning is a life-long endeavour. Richard also tutors for Pharos Tutors, teaching their Apprenticeship Records and Victorian Crime and Punishment courses. Richard is a Member of AGRA (the Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives) and is Co-Chair of their East of England Network Group.