During World War Two and its aftermath, journalism played a vital role in keeping servicemen informed and connected, wherever they happened to be stationed across the world. Service newspapers acted as the mouthpiece of the troops, being variously responsible for:
- keeping the units apprised of the general progress of the war
- providing news local to where the units were stationed
- reporting on life back at home
- encouraging discussion and intellectual improvement
- offering amusing anecdotes, competitions, cartoons and entertainment
Newspapers represent all theaters of the war. Although coverage is best for Britain and the United States, the database includes service newspapers from Germany, Canada, Russia, Italy, India, Africa, Eastern Europe and New Zealand, including many that are not in English.