First World War

1918: Year of Victory and Defeat

When the Great War broke out in 1914, the German imperial army was regarded as the finest fighting force on earth. Just four years later, it was crushed by Britain and its allies.

When the Men Came Marching Home

Having survived the rigours of the Great War, soldiers faced the return to civilian life. For some, it presented an even greater challenge.

Lest We Forget

The British public are obsessed with the First World War, but know little about how it was brought to an end.

The Catastrophe at Caporetto

On 24 October 1917, the Central Powers launched a massive offensive at Italy’s north-eastern border. The resulting battle – popularly known as Caporetto – has been described as the greatest defeat in Italian military history.   

Saving Lives on the Front Line

The work of military nurses at Passchendaele transformed the perception of women’s war service, showing they could perform life-saving work and risk their lives at the front.

Welcome to Dottyville

The Hydra, a magazine produced by shell shock patients, was pioneering as a mental health care treatment.