First World War

Weapons of the Western Front

During the First World War, armies were forced to adapt their tactics and pursue new technologies as a way of breaking the deadlock. Here, we explore some of the weapons used by the British Army on the Western Front.

The Wipers Times: The soldiers’ paper

Full of the dark humour typical of soldiers at war, 'The Wipers Times' was one of the finest of many trench publications produced on the Western Front.

The original bulletproof vest?

During the First World War, Private Stephen Palmer was sent an Oxo tin that ended up saving his life. Here, we delve deeper into his story and explore some other soldiers' unconventional life-saving possessions.

Army fashion statements

The Army's influence on fashion is not new. Military dress has made its way from conflict to catwalk over and over again.

The birth of plastic surgery

The First World War saw a huge rise in the number of drastic facial injuries. This led to the development of modern facial reconstructive surgery.

Lawrence of Arabia: The man behind the robes

Few British soldiers have a greater legend attached to them than Colonel TE Lawrence - better known as Lawrence of Arabia.

The British Army entrusted its secrets to birdbrains

During the First World War, the Army often relied on pigeons to deliver important military information. These birds quickly gained a reputation as one of the most reliable forms of communication.

Scottish poppy blooms again

Artificial poppies were first sold in Britain in 1921 and have since become one of the main symbols of Remembrance. This Scottish poppy dates from the early days of the Poppy Appeal.

Battle of the Somme

The 1916 Somme offensive was one of the bloodiest battles of the First World War. But it provided the Army with a tough lesson in how to fight a large-scale modern war.

First World War

The First World War was the first truly global conflict. From 1914 to 1918, fighting took place across several continents, at sea and, for the first time, in the air.

Royal Flying Corps

The Royal Flying Corps was the air arm of the British Army during the First World War.

Explore First World War events

Talk

3 Jul 2026 FREE

Newfoundland, Memory and the Somme

Join historian Julia Laite as she explores Newfoundland’s experience of the First World War and the lasting legacy of Beaumont Hamel.

Two soldiers of the 15th Lancers (Cureton’s Multanis) sitting on the ground, 1915

Members Only

3 Jul 2026 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Members’ Preview

Enjoy an exclusive preview of the upcoming exhibition 'Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army' with lead curator Anna Lavelle.

Sepoy Harnam Singh of the 34th Sikh Pioneers, 1915

Exhibition

7 Jul 2026 - 21 Feb 2027 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army

Through a unique selection of intimate sketches, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse of everyday life for soldiers serving far from home during the First World War.

Soldiers of the 57th Wilde's Rifles, January 1915

Talk

10 Jul 2026 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Curator’s Introduction

Anna Lavelle, lead curator of the new exhibition ‘Drawn on the Western Front’, explores the wartime work of French artist Paul Sarrut.

Military policemen of the 3rd (Lahore) Division, France, November 1914

Spotlight

11 Jul 2026 FREE

Sarrut Spotlight

To mark the opening of our new exhibition, ‘Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army’, join us for a day of talks, tours and activities.

Challenge

11-14 Aug 2026 FREE

Game On: First World War

Delve into the fascinating history of the First World War with our giant, interactive board game. Take on our challenge to make it to the end and beat the game.

People feeling the textures of items in the handling collection

Workshop

5 Sep 2026 FREE

Drawn on the Western Front: Sensory Session

Discover more about the contribution of Indian soldiers through a sensory session led by our Community Engagement Team.

Tour

12 Sep 2026 £2.00

Drawn on the Western Front: BSL Tour

Follow expert guide Edward Richards on a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of our exhibition ‘Drawn on the Western Front: Paul Sarrut and the Indian Army’.