Here are a selection of commonly asked questions and answers to help you use the Lost Generation website and database. (If you cannot find the information you need, you can contact the Lost Generation team at lostgeneration@channel4.com, but please do look below first.)
What software do I need to watch the video content?
I can't see The Somme Timeline/World of Mud/Global Fall-Out. What can I do?
How do I unsubscribe from the email newsletter?
How do I contact the Lost Generation team?
Why can’t I find a name? I know it should be there.
I know of a name that is not on this list. Would you like to know about it?
What is the Virtual Memorial?
How can I add a picture to a name record in the database?
How can I add a letter, birth certificate or other document to a name record in the database?
How can I add video or audio to a name record in the database?
Why can’t I find a memorial? I know it exists.
I have additional information about a memorial on the website. Would you like it?
I know of a memorial that is not on this list. Would you like information?
The name list for the memorial I looked at wasn’t there or was only partially complete. Why?
Why are some records incomplete or missing information?
Can I add Second World War names to the website?
What software do I need to watch the video content?
To watch video on the Lost Generation website you need to have Windows Media Player installed on your computer. Most PCs have this ready-installed as standard. Apple Macs don’t tend to have it but you can download it for free from http://windowsmedia.com/download – make sure to select the correct version for your operating system (version 9 works with OS X, version 7.1 works with OS 9).
I can't see The Somme Timeline/World of Mud/Global Fall-Out. What can I do?
If you can’t see these interactive features of the Lost Generation website, it indicates you probably need to get a piece of software called ‘Flash’ installed on your computer. This is a simple process and free and will enable you to see loads of similar animated content all over the Web. Go to this screen and follow the instructions to install Flash.
How do I unsubscribe from the email newsletter?
You can find unsubscribe instructions at the bottom of any edition of the Dispatches from the Front newsletter or you can email lostgeneration@channel4.com with the word "unsubscribe" in the Subject line.
How do I contact the Lost Generation team?
You can contact the Lost Generation Web Editor by email at lostgeneration@channel4.com.
Why can’t I find a name? I know it should be there.
The names of people on UK war memorials have never been comprehensively collected before. Channel 4 has entered over half a million names into the Lost Generation database with the help of the UK National Inventory of War Memorials. There are still hundreds of thousands to collect before the momentous task is complete.
You can help preserve the names for posterity by adding any you know to be missing. For example, if you have seen our record of your local memorial doesn’t have a name list yet, why not be the one to record it by adding them to the Lost Generation database. Add a name by clicking here.
I know of a name that is not on this database. Would you like to know about it?
Yes, please! Our aim is to create the most comprehensive database possible as a fitting modern memorial for those who fought and fell in the First World War.
There are in fact two Virtual Memorials on the Lost Generation website – the UK Virtual Memorial and the Irish Virtual Memorial.
They act as a place of commemoration for those who died in the First World War and have no other place of commemoration in the UK after a search of the Names database.
Once a person has been added to a Virtual Memorial if he/she is subsequently found to be commemorated on an actual memorial we will move their information from the Virtual Memorial to that actual memorial. When this occurs the person who submitted the name will be informed.
How can I add a picture to a name record in the database?
It’s a simple procedure. Once you have a digital copy of the picture on your computer, simply click here to start uploading it.
How can I add a letter, birth certificate or other document to a name record in the database?
It’s a simple procedure. Once you have a digital copy of the document on your computer, simply click here to start uploading it.
How can I add video or audio to a name record in the database?
It’s a simple procedure. Once you have a digital copy of the video or audio on your computer, simply click here to start uploading it. We can accept these formats: MP3, MPEG4 (3000kbits/sec), Quicktime or Windows Media file, with 48khz audio, 16bit stereo. Default DV resolution is 720x576 pixels for both 16:9 and 4:3.
Why can’t I find a memorial? I know it exists.
There are an estimated 45,000 First World War memorials in the UK but the UK National Inventory of War Memorials had records for 36,000 of them at the start of the Lost Generation project. So if you know of a First World War memorial that exists (or has existed) but does not appear in the Lost Generation database then send us as much information about it as you can and we shall add it to the database. Click here for the submission form.
I have additional information about a memorial on the website. Would you like it?
Yes, please! Information is constantly being sought to expand the information on memorials in the database. Please click here for the submission form.
I know of a memorial that is not on this list. Would you like information?
Again, yes, please! Our aim is to complete the list of First World War memorials in the UK as an enduring national record, not subject to the ravages of the weather! Please click here for the submission form.
The name list for the memorial I looked at wasn’t there or was only partially complete. Why?
There are a number of possible reasons:
1) The actual memorial might have no names listed on it but a list might have been placed elsewhere, for example in the local church. This information should be recorded on the record so if you find it exists please let us know and send us the names.
2) The UK National Inventory of War Memorials may not yet have been sent the information. We do want to record this information so if you know the names of those recorded on the memorial click here to submit them.
3) The UK National Inventory of War Memorials has been sent only partial information so they have recorded what they can and would really welcome the remainder of the names.
4) The names on the memorial have eroded so the field worker was unable to transcribe them. Information about those who were commemorated can sometimes be found in contemporary local newspapers or archives but looking for this information is a time consuming process. If you manage to track down the list of names from another source, again please let us know by using this submission form.
Why are some records incomplete or missing information?
Not all memorial records in the UK National Inventory of War Memorials are complete and the quality and quantity of information can vary. If you cannot find exactly what you are looking for this may be due either to the fact that the record is still being input into the database or no record for that memorial or information has been submitted yet. If you can fill in any gaps, please let us know by using this submission form.
Can I add Second World War names to the website?
No, Lost Generation covers only the First World War. However the UK National Inventory of War Memorials would be happy to receive such information – you can email them here.