The Western Front Association

Preserving the memory of World War I

The Western Front Association is a UK-based registered charity dedicated to preserving the memory, courage and comradeship of those on all sides who served their countries during the First World War.

Our WWI digital resources
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TrenchMapper™

Study thousands of trench maps from the First World War. These maps are accurately geolocated onto modern mapping and it is possible to search for specific WW1 trench names. To benefit from the full capabilities of this, WFA members can go to the members' area to see the best detail.

Visit TrenchMapper™
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Pension Records

The Western Front Association's Pension Records page offers access to over six million digitised records from World War I, providing detailed information on soldiers who served, including service details, medical assessments, and family information.

Explore WFA Pension Records
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Searchable Magazine Archive

With thousands of articles across hundreds of magazines it has previously been impossible to locate keywords or phrases. Using this portal, members can search for anything from ‘Abacus’ to ‘Zulu’.

Delve into our digitised magazines
Latest news
Wes S
11 November 2026

In pictures: Armistice Day 2026 at the Cenotaph

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Wfa Wreath 11.11
8 November 2026

WFA Armistice Day Ceremony on 11 November

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White War 3
28 October 2026

Melting glaciers in Italy reveal Great War munitions

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Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's an overview of some of the numerous benefits:

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Stand To!

Receive four issues annually of this prestigious journal, featuring deeply researched articles, book reviews and historical analysis.

Magazine
Historical Magazines

Read post-WW1 era magazines, such as 'Twenty Years After', 'WW1 A Pictured History' and 'I Was There!' plus others.

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Your local WFA branch

With around 50 branches, there may be one near you. The branch meetings are open to all.

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Subscribe to the WFA's YouTube channel

The WFA's YouTube channel features hundreds of videos of lectures given by experts on particular aspects of WW1.

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I Was There!

Featured on the WFA's YouTube channel are modern day re-interpretations of the inter-war magazine 'I Was There!' which recount the memories of soldiers who 'were there'.

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Online webinars

The WFA regularly makes available webinars which can be viewed 'live' from home. These feature expert speakers talking about a particular aspect of the Great War.

World War I articles
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13 November 2026

Not all Barons were Red: Examples of German WW1 Aces and their colour schemes

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11 November 2026

Remembering the Three Armies of the Somme: The Armistice Day address at the Guards Chapel

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02 Roll Of Honour Cabinet Open (1)
9 November 2026

‘The Devil’s Orchestra’ and a Lutyens masterpiece

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Arthur Sharples
Remembered
On This Day, 14 November 1916
Arthur Henry Sharples was killed in action on this day in 1916

Born in Burnley in 1898, Arthur was the son of William Sharples (an assistant newspaper printer) and Lucy Jane (née Pomroy).

Read more about Arthur Sharples

Upcoming events

Nov 2026.1 (1)
16 November 2026
Leicestershire & Rutland branch

Crowns In Conflict - Queen Victoria, European Royalty and the Tragedy of The Great War

The story of the circumstances that saw Cousin at War with Cousin in the Great War

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Beggar Me Frontcover Thumb (1)
16 November 2026
Tyneside branch

I'm Out: Escape from German POW Camps, 1914-18

Nobody really expected to be made a prisoner of war but once captured it was a cruel, hard world.

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November WFA 1
16 November 2026
Southend on Sea branch

Members' Evening- Remembrance Special

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Online
4 Sons
16 November 2026

Three Sons for the Kaiser: A German Family's Sacrifice in the First World War

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Bell Vc
17 November 2026
Cleveland branch

Green Howards VC's of the Great War

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A Corporal From A Graves Registration Unit With An Exhumed Body
17 November 2026
London branch

Uncovering the Dead 1919-1939

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It S All A Bit Heath Robinson
18 November 2026
Surrey branch

'It's All a Bit Heath Robinson'

Cartoonist re-inventing the First World War

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54 Squadron RAF Football Team (IWM Q9944)
19 November 2026
London (East) branch

Sport in the Royal Flying Corps, 1914-1918

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20 November 2026
Worcestershire & Herefordshire branch

The Work of the Ministry of Defence’s War Detectives

The work of the ‘MoD War Detectives'

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