As we get closer to the 80th anniversary of Operation Overlord and the D-Day Landings, we're beginning to witness the passing of 'living memory' from the Second World War. With more eyewitnesses, participants, and war veterans passing away every day, how can we ensure that their memories, stories, and experiences are safely preserved? The University of Oxford have launched a new project to help combat this problem: Their Finest Hour. By creating a digital history project to encourage people of all backgrounds to submit their experiences or their relatives experiences of the Second World War, they're creating an invaluable digital archive that captures moments and stories that helped define the 20th century. But why is preserving these living memories so important - and what can we learn from the people who have already submitted their tales?

In this episode, James welcomes Dr Joseph Quinn to the podcast to talk about this project, and what they aim to achieve from it. Hearing stories from individuals who have already submitted oral histories, and learning about the importance of preserving living memory - why is this Oxford project so important for future historians, and what can we do to help?

You can submit to the project here.

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