Portsmouth War Dead project

James, As a Portsmouth person I have much admiration for your project. For some reason I've only just come across this thread. After reading through it quickly I have two points.
1 You seem to have abandoned the idea of including civilian casualties. How come?
2 Have you an explicit definition of the scope of the database, along the lines of: 'the aim of this database is to include all - and only - those people who meet the following criteria .... ?
Apologies if these points have already been covered. As I said I read through the whole thread in one go.
Bart

Hi Bart, sorry its taken me a LONG time to reply!

Civilian WW2 casualties in Portsmouth have been very thoroughly researched and written about, whereas military casualties have been all but ignored until very recently. So I've wanted to make a conscious effort to right a big of a wrong in Portsmouth's history.

In terms of the scope of the database, I began with the rather loose term 'from Portsmouth'. As I went on, this needed tighter defining. The majority of casualties in my database either: lived in Portsmouth at the time of their death, were born there and moved away, had lived in Portsmouth for significant amount of time at some point in their life, or been educated or worked in the city. For example, there are some sons of Portsmouth who emigrated, and served with Imperial Forces. Also Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger Keyes is included, as he was MP for Portsmouth at the time of his death.

 

Well it's been a very long time since I've posted here, but hopefully with good reason! The manuscript and images for my book 'Portsmouth's World War Two Heroes' is now with the publishers. I believe we may be looking at publication some time later this year all being well.

The whole project has been over two years in the making, from inputting the first name into Access, to mailing a little memory stick to the publishers the other day! I owe many members here an enormous debt of gratitude for their assistance, something that has been duly recognised in the acknowledgements.

As soon as I hear anything re a publication date I will post it up here.

...And now for the WW1 database...

 

Well done James! I will keep an eye out for it down this end of the world.

 

Just to let you all know, the scheduled release date is 1 February 2012, and it is available to pre-order from all of the usual online vendors!

 

Well done James, but we will need a timely reminder mate.

Steve

 

Well done James, but we will need a timely reminder mate.

Steve

Just as long as someone reminds me first, it is a long time to wait!

 

James, I look forward to it glad to see your friuts of labour have come to harvest!

 

Hi James,

Not sure we have corrisponded before, but you say all civilian deaths in ww2 have been research?.

eg..you have details and info on them?

What can you tell me about one Lilian Johnston?
I do know her story..I'd just like to know if you can add anything more to it.

Regards
Paul

 

Hi Paul,

I haven't got any information myself, but a book you might like to check out is 'Portsmouth: City of Gallant Hearts' by Bob Hind.

James

 

I'm currently proof-reading the final draft in pdf version. I already have the cover which I am very impressed with, and I am due to visit the publishers in a few weeks time to record a promotional video for youtube. I'm also beginning to take bookings for the book tour, and have the beginnings of a book launch in mind. It's great to finally see some light at the end of the tunnel, its a very long and laborious process! All being well it should be out in February 2012.

.... now for the WW1 book

 

Well its been a long time in the making, but my book 'Portsmouth's World War Two Heroes' is due to be published on 1 February 2012, by The History Press. It is available to pre-order at all the usual online outlets, and will be on sale in local outlets. It features many of the stories that I have posted up here, such as Private Bobby Johns, Wing Commander John Buchanan, Major Robert Easton, Flight Lieutenant John Coghlan, CPO Reg Ellingworth, Sergeant Sid Cornell and Lieutenant-Commander Bill Hussey.

It's been a very interesting process, and I would very interested to hear feedback about the results. I'm hoping to get out and about to do as many talks as possible. I'm currently working on the WW1 book, which is proving to be a bit of a monster - 4,100 names so far, and I am only up to the letter O!

 

Well done James, I look forward to grabbing a copy.

Congrats on getting the project to this stage.

Steve

 

Thanks Steve. by the way, there is a chapter on the Far East including Private George Sullivan, for which you are duly acknowledged

 

James excellent work,well done.

regards
Clive

 

Thats great news James, I look forward to getting a copy well done on all the hard work you put in.

 

Nice one James, will defiantly get a copy

regards

Keith

 

The book should have left the distributors warehouse yesterday, so hopefully it will start showing up in outlets soon. I received my first advance copy last weekend. It's a strange experience when you've worked on something for so long - more relief than excitement!

 

Well done mate here's to your next project

 

Hi James,

Congratulations on a very well written book. I am about half way through and finding it a fascinating read. I also understand the amount of work you have put into producing such record.

Best wishes

Steve