The England and Wales 1939 Register was devised to produce 40 million Identity Cards during World War II, when rationing was introduced. The information recorded provides a huge bridge between the last published census (1921) and 1939. People were more ‘honest’ in their information-giving, providing exact date of birth, as they wanted their allocated rations. From 1948, the Register was used as the National Health Service Register, and was updated until 1991, giving women’s new surnames when they got married, handwritten above their name. The online UK 1939 Register is a relatively unknown, but very useful tool for genealogists.  

Dr. Penny Walters has been a University lecturer for 35 years, currently teaching in Bath Spa University Business School, England. Penny's interest in genealogy started after having her first baby and then wondering about her biological parents, as she was adopted. Penny has six mixed race children, who have all enjoyed discovering their roots through DNA ethnicity results. Penny lectures internationally in-person, including throughout America, Australia, Ireland and the UK. Penny is sought after for a wide range of conference and webinar topics. Penny has authored the books: 'Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy' (2019) and ‘The Psychology of Searching’ (2020), available on Amazon in paperback or on Kindle.  www.searchmypast.co.uk