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The Second World War plunged many ordinary people into extraordinary situations. Launched on Remembrance Day 2003, WW2 People’s War was a major outreach project to capture these amazing stories onto the Peoples’ War website. These authentic stories and photographs capture the heart of a nation at war - from the home front to the front line.

Phase One of the project sought to support people to contribute their memories by establishing a network of Associate Centres, where people without access to IT equipment could get help in using the internet. These centres were encouraged to run reminiscence events and activities as a ‘hook’ to attract members of the public. Over 2,500 partner centres signed up, including many public libraries.

Phase Two of the project was launched in 2005 — with a dedicated team of broadcast journalists working in Nations and Regions to showcase some of the wonderful content already contributed to the website, and to encourage many more people to take part. Over 2000 volunteers were recruited and trained to act as story gatherers. Many of these volunteers worked with the CSV action desks which are based at every local radio station in England. Schools have also been encouraged to take part — many of them building stronger links within their community as a result. The 60th anniversaries to commemorate the end of WW2 have provided a key focal point for this work. WW2 People's War took part in the Nations Commemorations of the end of WW2 - on VE Day, VJ Day and during Veterans Awareness Week which ended with the National Commemoration Day on 10 July. Activity happened across the country - including an exhibition in St James Park in London.

The WW2 Outreach central team were responsible for managing all aspects of the outreach - supporting thousands of people to contribute their stories to the site.

I joined the team in 2004 - to scope out phase two of the campaign to ensure many more people could take part. Throughout the campaign I have been moved by the many stories I have been told, and am delighted that they have been preserved in this archive. It has been a pleasure meeting our many contributors, volunteers and partners who have worked together to build the archive.

The WW2 Outreach team consisted of: Phase 1 core team: Paul Manners, Patricia Mitchinson and Caspar Mason.

Phase 2 core team: Paul Manners, Sophie Duncan, Caspar Mason, and Vanessa Norris.

The campaign was delivered through a network of regional teams working in the Nations and Regions. You can find out more about their work in the Project History.

Sophie Duncan