The 1939 Register provides a snapshot of the civilian population of England and Wales just after the outbreak of the Second World War. As the 1931 census for England and Wales was destroyed by fire during the Second World War and no census was taken in 1941, the Register provides the most complete survey of the population of England and Wales between 1921 and 1951, making it an invaluable resource for family, social and local historians
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What is the 1939 Register?
The 1939 Register attempted to list the details of every civilian on a specific date. Military personnel were not recorded. The Register contains details of around 40 million people.
Unlike the census the 1939 Register asks the respondents to provide their exact date of birth. It also provides Address, surname, first name(s), gender, date of birth, marital status and occupation. |
Where to find the 1939 Registry
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The Register is available to search and view on subscription sites Findmypast.co.uk (£) and Ancestry.co.uk (£).
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What can you expect to find in the 1939 Register?
The 1939 Register was taken on 29 September 1939. The information in it was used to produce identity cards and, once rationing was introduced in January 1940, to issue ration books. Information in the Register was also used to administer conscription and the direction of labour, and to monitor and control the movement of the population caused by military mobilisation and mass evacuation.
More than that though the data in the 1939 Register was used by the National Health Service when it started in 1948 and became the NHS Central Register,
So as these records remained with the NHS until 1991 any changes of name between 1939 and 1991 have been added to or listed In the register. So you may find a women with her married name even though she married long after the register was compiled.
Find myPast has a useful map to help you locate your house. Just tap in your postcode
More than that though the data in the 1939 Register was used by the National Health Service when it started in 1948 and became the NHS Central Register,
So as these records remained with the NHS until 1991 any changes of name between 1939 and 1991 have been added to or listed In the register. So you may find a women with her married name even though she married long after the register was compiled.
Find myPast has a useful map to help you locate your house. Just tap in your postcode
1939 Register which - Subscription sites
1939 Register for England & Wales is available online at the following subscription sites.
You can learn more about the 1939 Register by watching this webinar on Using the 1939 Register.
You can learn more about the 1939 Register by watching this webinar on Using the 1939 Register.
Search the 1939 Register by Address
You can search the register by house address. on findmypast. Look for the "ADDRESS" tab on the search page and input the street.A list of homes in that street should drop down. Bear in mind however that streets and house names do change.
More informationFor more about the 1939 Register go to the National Archives
On the night of 29th September 1939 - just before the National Registration was taken - the Registrar General broadcast a message to the nation on BBC radio at 6:30pm.It is a fascinating listen Click here to read or listen to it Lots of interesting useful articles about the 1939 register at Lost Cousins |
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