In World War One doctors and the government went out of their way to avoid recognising woman shell-shock victims. Admitting to un-British emotional weakness was shameful enough; equating mentally damaged soldiers with women would be too much for them to b
Tag: WWI
6th August 1914, the HMS Amphion was sunk by a German mine.
The HMS Amphion is notable both for firing the very first shot at sea of the Great War, and for sustaining the first British casualties. Read on to find out more about her eventful first (and last) days of the war.
WW1 Love Letters – World War One Soldier Love Letters
As seen today in the Daily Express and Mail Online, this love letter, written by a WWI soldier shortly before his death in the Arras offensive and donated to our collection by his relatives, was secretly treasured by his wife for over 60 years.
31st July 1917 – The Battle of Passchendaele, AKA Third Battle of Ypres, commenced.
While technically classified as a victory, with Passchendaele village finally falling to the Allies on 6th November 1917, this battle was very costly in terms of men and arms and won little ground. It was also a disaster for the Tank Corps, and saw severa
Stripes Given to Soldiers Returning Home From The Trenches
In the summer of 1916 injured soldiers who returned home for medical treatment were given bronze bars to signify that they have served. Find out why here.
“The man who taught the air forces of the world to fly”
Have you heard the name: Major Robert Smith-Barry? You probably would have if you were around during the First World War because long before the famous Red Bull slogan he gave people…
Military genealogy — it can be a minefield…
Just started researching your ancestor’s military history and there’s so much information out there that it can be hard to know where to start and to find exactly what you are looking for. READ MORE HERE:
Are you getting the most out of your genealogy research?
If you’re researching your family’s history then you’ve probably uncovered at least one ancestor with military links — especially when you consider there were over 50 million military casualties from World War…
Medal Index Cards Explained – What is a Medal Index Card?
Many of you have asked what exactly is a medal index card. Click here to find out what a medal index card is and how you can use it.
Wilfred Owen: “My subject is War, and the pity of War. The Poetry is in the pity.”
Sometimes in the most tragic circumstances people are inspired to express their emotions – they make music, they paint, they write… First World War British soldier, Wilfred Owen, chose to write and…