Introduction

This was a project to review and refresh a collection of pictures of the men from the Cambridgeshire village of Kingston who served during the First World War.

The project involved extensive historical and genealogical research, drawing on military service records, census returns, local newspapers, archival documents and contemporary photographs to reconstruct each man’s story. The resulting biographies explore not only their wartime experiences, but also their families, occupations and connections to village life.

The research has supported the restoration and reinterpretation of Kingston’s original post-war memorial, expanding the historical record from 21 names to 38 individuals. It has also produced a substantial collection of illustrated biographies, providing a lasting resource for the village and descendants of those who served.

The project demonstrates how detailed archival research can bring local history to life, transforming a simple photo display into a collection of individual stories and preserve a community’s heritage for future generations.