Fifty residents went to the Thameside complex on Friday to dig up their World War One roots and discover long-lost relatives.
The event - run in partnership with Essex Record Office - showed how to access records relating to people’s First World War ancestors.
One Grays woman discovered to her surprise that her grandfather survived both conflicts - including fighting in the Second World War with his sons - to die falling off a ladder age 55.
There was also an “Essex at War” display at the Thameside, a show which is currently touring libraries and museums throughout the county.
The World War One ancestor detective-service is freely available in all Thurrock Libraries, and includes databases such as medal record cards, some service records and war memorial details.
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