Collecting Oral Histories: A Methodological Guide for Families

Preserving the memories of World War II veterans is a race against time. As the generation that lived through the war grows smaller, the urgency of recording their stories becomes ever greater. This guide provides practical advice for families who wish to capture and preserve the wartime experiences of their relatives. Step 1: Preparation — Gather existing materials including photographs, letters, medals, and documents. Research the military unit and campaigns your relative was involved in. Step 2: The Interview — Create a comfortable, quiet environment. Use open-ended questions. Record both audio and video if possible. Allow time for reflection and emotion. Step 3: Preservation — Digitise all physical materials. Transcribe interviews. Store copies in multiple locations. Consider donating copies to local archives. Step 4: Sharing — Submit your veteran's story to the Immortal Regiment UK registry. Share on the platform for others to discover and honour. This guide was developed in collaboration with oral history specialists at the Imperial War Museum and the British Library Sound Archive.