110 years ago this week, on March 18th, 1915, my great-grandfather Charles Lind Lamont Young stood on the deck of the HMS Irresistible in the beautiful waters of the Dardanelles. The Irresistible was part of an attack force there to smash their way through to the Turkish capital, Constantinople. But at 4:15pm a deafening blast […]
Surviving the Sinking of HMS Irresistible: My Great-Grandfather’s Story Read More »
How an aerogramme from more than 50 years ago filled in a narrative gap in my grandfather’s story.
When life sends you a P.S. Read More »
Discover 8 essential tools to uncover, verify & bring your family history to life—featuring AI, archives & a love story that crossed the world!
8 must-have family history tools for better storytelling Read More »
It’s the start of a new year, and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead. If you’ve been following One Ancestor at a Time, you know it’s all about uncovering the stories of the past to enrich our lives today. But there’s something I haven’t told you—until now. Some of you may have already
Welcome to 2025: A Big Year for One Ancestor at a Time Read More »
From London’s shadows to New Zealand’s shores—uncover my great-grandparents’ daring journey for love and survival.
You’ll never believe how far he went for love Read More »
At just 17, he went from the streets of England to the backblocks of New Zealand. From farming to insurance sales, he failed at almost everything he tried. But then, his persistence paid off. Find out how my grandfather created a new life and a new family, on the other side of the world.
The Man Who Never Gave Up Read More »
Brethren – this old-fashioned word may conjure up images of secretive sects, but the Open Brethren is the Christian denomination that played a huge part of my family’s history for five generations. Find out just who they were…
In search of The Brethren Read More »
My grandfather, Brian Rockel, was more than family—he was a master of bringing joy to everyone around him. Join me as I share the story of a man who lived with kindness and humor, and how his warmth shaped my life.
The nicest man you could ever hope to meet Read More »
History feels distant until it’s family. Graeme and Annette, my parents, shaped the man I am today in ways I’m only now beginning to understand. Join me as I honor their lives, their lessons, and the legacy that lives on.
West Auckland is more than home; it’s my teacher, my roots, and yes, even an ‘ancestor.’ From towering kauri trees to windswept coasts, this land has shaped my story. Let’s walk these paths together and discover the lessons hidden in every tree and shoreline.
The Silent Wisdom of Trees Read More »
