One Photograph, Four Generations

Two men in early 20th century clothing sitting on a vintage motorcycle by a waterfront with people and benches in the background

One faded photograph of a 1920s motorcycle outing transformed my understanding of a grandfather I had known only as a bitter old man

A Voyage of Controversy

Black and white photograph of British minesweeper HMS Pickle during service in WW2. The ship is all dressed up with flags and members of the crew line the deck

Peter Poulton (1925–2004) sailed aboard HMS Pickle during the historic 1946 voyage that marked the end of Sarawak’s White Rajahs

Witness to surrender: Far East 1945-46

Peter Poulton (1925-2004) left behind photographs and letters that illuminate his wartime experiences in the Far East during and after World War II

Still thinking of you: letters after VE Day

Peter Poulton (1925-2004) was on active service in the Far East as the West celebrated VE Day 1945. Family letters reflect joy, longing, and ongoing war concerns

From the Goal Line to the Front Line

The story of Chelsea goalkeeper William Krug who joined the 17th Middlesex (1st Football) Battalion at the start of the Great War.

Tragedy at sea

Matthew Saumarez (1718-1778): a tragedy at sea and a case of mistaken identity.

After the war

Peter Mayhew (1929-1980): life in the immediate post-war years, National Service, and a career in the British film industry