August 2025 Family Tree Magazine

Remembering VJ Day – 80 Years On

In this issue of Family Tree, we reflect on the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the final chapter of the Second World War and the sacrifices made by so many. Discover expert tips to help you research your relatives’ wartime experiences.

This issue we also have inspiring, informative advice to help you learn, for instance, how to use DNA to find missing ancestors, practical advice on the key records for medieval family and local history research, a review of a leading family tree program RootsMagic, and an exclusive interview with Dr Sophie Kay on three genealogy 'tools' that will supercharge your family history - helping you to become more focused, more organised - and get better results with your family history!

Why buy this issue of Family Tree?

• Discover the records and stories behind VJ Day
• Learn how to use DNA to find missing ancestors
• Unearth the core records for medieval family and local history research
• Master three genealogy 'tools' advocated by Dr Sophie Kay to really step up your research success.

What's in the latest issue of Family Tree?

Family history news: Read up on new family history-related projects & developments - including a genuine medieval copy of the Magna Carta that was accidentally sold for just US$26!

Using campaign medals: David Annal guides us through the process of using campaign medals as the catalyst for genealogical research

Discover the things that will improve your family history: Dr Sophie Kay talks about the importance of ‘methodology’, and how can it help us

Twiglets: Gill Shaw is enjoying the thrill of the chase

Dear Paul: Paul Chiddicks brings us some entertaining GRO stories

Census substitutes & local records for medieval research: Discover the record collections and research know-how that will enable you to take your research into people and places, up to 1,000 years ago, with Richard Tolson

Yours affectionately Vivien Leigh: Rita Malyon’s legacy: Keen family historian Mavis Tilbury tells us how, in her search for her maternal grandfather, she made a connection with another relative, who had her own starry tale to tell

RootsMagic reviewed: Professional genealogist Claire Bradley shares her first impressions of family tree software RootsMagic. Take the tour and check out the tools

Victory over Japan (VJ Day 80): As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, 15 August 1945, Graham Bandy takes us back to this momentous chapter of Second World War history

Using DNA testing to find a ‘missing’ ancestor: Karen Evans takes us through her tried-and-tested strategies for putting DNA to work. Learn the must-know steps to take

Photo Corner: Make-Do-And-Mend: Jayne Shrimpton shares a potted history of wartime fashions from 80 years ago, focusing on the thrifty and resourceful Make Do & Mend experiences of our ancestors

Your questions: Our experts Graham Bandy and Mary Evans pit their wits to solve reader puzzles and Mary tackles the most complicated family history question she's ever seen for Family Tree... but she solves it nonetheless. 

How can Ancestry Pro Tools help you?: Exploring the useful range of Pro Tools

Thoughts on: Diane Lindsay reflects on the importance of going beyond the 2-D ‘facts’ in our family research, in order to reveal the true humanity of our ancestors