You will find here articles from my travels “In the Footsteps of Our Fathers” in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Poland, Ukraine, Russia and the Baltic countries. The background is set by the events of WW1 and WW2, and the theme is the fate of the millions of people imprisoned in the lagiers of the GULAG, or deported to the depths of the Soviet empire under Stalin’s rule.

You will not find here itineraries or travel advice sought by tourists; you will find here my emotions, thoughts and experience as I tramp in these countries in search of my own identity and my roots, and a feel for the drama and tragedy of our fathers. You will also find numerous photographs from these travels.

It’s impossible to tread in the footsteps of our fathers without the journey leaving a lasting impact on the heart and mind of the traveller. The history of the past one hundred years becomes a living history; it’s impossible to simply lock away in travel writings or monuments the lives of those that perished, or those that survived, or those still left behind in the land of their exile; it’s impossible simply to commiserate – and do nothing.

 Our Roots Trust stems quite naturally and inevitably from these travels. It's a small beginning but with our friends, and perhaps some of the readers, we can do much more. You are welcome to read the travels and to leave your comments in the Guest Book. And you would be doubly welcome if you would like to participate in some way.

If you would like to read any of the articles listed below please send me an email indicating which