War heroes

Chris Ramsey uncovers stories of his family's bravery in both world wars

- HANNAH DAVIES

FACTUAL

Who Do You Think You Are?

Thu, 9pm (times vary), BBC1

Comedian and presenter Chris Ramsey always knew his maternal grandfather, Alf Lawson, served in the Royal Navy during World War Two, although Alf never spoke about it.

But after his death, the family discovered a Russian war medal, as well as photographs depicting the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in Japan.

In this week’s Who Do You Think You Are?, Ramsey pieces together Alf ’s service record and discovers he served on the HMS Ulster Queen, which escorted vital war supplies from Britain to the Soviet Union as part of the notoriously dangerous Arctic convoys. Then, while serving on HMS Speaker, Alf became one of the first people to witness the devastation of Nagasaki in August 1945.