Footage of major Second World War events like D-Day and the raising of the US flag over Iwo Jima is among the free materials now available in Swansea’s libraries.
A series of World War Two United Newsreels from 1942 to 1946 can be accessed on www.ancestry.co.uk without cost at any library across the city.
Accessing the site from a home computer needs either a monthly or yearly subscription.
The US Office of War Information (OWI) was created during World War Two to oversee US propaganda and promote patriotism and, as part of its role, it produced 267 newsreels called the United News.
The newsreels were shown throughout the USA and were also sent to allied and neutral countries across the world. They average about 10 minutes in length and consist of US military footage depicting allied military operations and other events from the home front. Much of the footage was taken by military combat photographers and is in excellent condition.
Other events depicted in the newsreels include the Japanese signing the final surrender, the invasion of Sicily and General MacArthur returning to the Philippines.
Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: “The Second World War is a topic that interests many in the Swansea area and the free availability of the newsreels on the website in our libraries will help people research and save money at the same time.
“This resource adds to the enormous selection of books and DVDs on the subject in our libraries and means people have never had so many free opportunities to delve into the past.”
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/libraries for more information about the Swansea Library Service or call 01792 636464.
