THE WAR YEARS
Bringing Second World War history to life, one story at a time.
Second World War History: Research, Books and Family Service Records
I’m Charlie Trumpess, a military historian and published author with a Master’s degree in Military History from the University of Buckingham. I’m also an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. I run The War Years, focusing on Second World War military history. I also help families discover their relatives' wartime experiences and military service.
What I do
I write articles about military operations and the human side of the Second World War. My research draws on a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including veteran testimonies, memoirs, war diaries, unit records and many other official documents. I tell stories that might otherwise be forgotten.
I have written two books. A History of the Guards Armoured Formations 1941–1945 was published by Pen & Sword Military in 2025. The Birth of British Special Forces is due to be published by Fonthill Media in 2026.
You can follow my work on Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn, where I regularly share WW2 content.
How can I find out what my relative did in WW2?
Many families want to know what a relative did during the Second World War. Military service records often contain dates, unit names and postings, but they do not explain what those things mean.
I provide a professional research service for families interested in their military history. I visit archives, examine war diaries and unit records, and create detailed reports that outline where your relative served, what their unit did, and how their role fit into the broader context of the war. Research projects typically start at £600, depending on the scope of work involved.
What happened when Kamikaze aircraft attacked HMS Formidable?
The story of HMS Formidable is a remarkable account of resilience and survival in the face of adversity. This aircraft carrier endured not just one, but two kamikaze attacks, demonstrating the bravery of its crew and the strength of the ship itself. The events surrounding these attacks illustrate the challenges faced during wartime and the determination required to overcome them. Through quick thinking, teamwork, and solid engineering, HMS Formidable managed to stay afloat and continue combat operations despite the terrible threats it encountered. Among the burning wreckage of aircraft and firefighting parties was my uncle, a young teenage rating who would go on to travel the world with the merchant navy.
If you would like to know more about HMS Formidable's second commission, Operation Iceberg or the role of the British Pacific Fleet, you can read my 47-page illustrated paper as a PDF download or a digital flipbook.
Credentials and memberships
My academic credentials include an MA in Military History by Research from the University of Buckingham. I also hold a Diploma in Marketing, and I am a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (MCIM) and a CIM Chartered Marketer (CMktr).
I am an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society (RHS), a member of the Society of Authors (SoA), the Historical Writers’ Association (HWA), the Society for Army Historical Research (SAHR), the Army Records Society and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). I am also an associate member of the 29th Division Association.
Common questions about The War Years
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The War Years is a military history research and publishing business run by Charlie Trumpess. It focuses on the British military during the Second World War. The website features articles, blog posts and research services for families who want to learn about a relative’s wartime service.
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Charlie Trumpess is a military historian with an MA from the University of Buckingham and an Associate Fellowship of the Royal Historical Society. He has published two books on WW2 military history with Pen & Sword Military and Fonthill Media. To learn more about Charlie’s career and qualifications, visit the About Us page.
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Yes. I offer professional military service research for families. I examine a wide range of primary and secondary historical sources and then write a detailed, illustrated report. Projects typically start at £600. See the Research Services page for full details.
Are you interested in exploring the fascinating history of the Second World War? Perhaps you want to unearth the remarkable story of your relative's military service, or maybe you need thorough historical research for an important project. Contact me now.