WHAT Did You Do on the Web, Daddy?

Ever wondered what happened to those you were billeted, bombarded or posted abroad with?

Ever wanted to get in touch with some of your old comrades, but didn't know where to start?

That's how www.20thcenturycomrades.com was conceived.

Two former members of the British armed forces realised the potential of the internet to reunite those who served together and who long ago went their separate ways.

Now www.20thcenturycomrades.com has been launched as a dedicated site that links and reunites ex-service people, and those civilians who worked with the armed forces.

Chris Healey, secretary, said: "The site is unique in that it has been designed by people who worked in the forces, so it's very easy for anyone who's been in the service to use.

"We realised people may want to contact friends they worked with on a particular ship, squadron or unit, or even a mission, perhaps only for a short time."

The site lists all units that have existed in the British Armed Forces since 1939. This makes it easy for anyone to create a year-by-year service history.

The site currently holds more than 12,000 records including Royal Naval vessels, RAF Squadrons, Army Regiments and Cadet units and their associated bases.

"When a new user registers against a vessel, squadron, regiment or base, users with the same history are automatically notified by e-mail," said Chris. "But the site is more than just an aid to personal communication.

It's more like an on-line club - all that's missing is the bar.

"Members can add memoirs and display photographs, vote in a monthly poll, take part in on-line competitions and contribute to a newsletter. People can also use the site to leave messages - and of course, organise reunions."

A dedicated Campaign page lets members add their recollections about any campaign since 1918. "As the collection of reminiscences grows, we can see that it will become a useful source of information for historians," added Chris.