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
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8 December 2025

Introducing Our New Website: A Quick Guide to Get You Started

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30 November 2025

WFA member chronicles grandfather's journey from Boer War to Palestine

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I WAS THERE Mag
23 November 2025

Latest 'I Was There!' episodes available

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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.

Upcoming events

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12 December 2025
Midlands (East) branch

The Enemy Within: Germans in Britain 1914-1918

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12 December 2025
Milton Keynes branch

Allied Intervention in Northern Russia during WW1

Andy’s talk covers his ancestor’s experience during the Great War and after 1918

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Soldier With Parcels
13 December 2025
Scotland (Tayside) branch

Mince Pies, Chats and Medley

Welcome to the Christmas round-up

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WW1 Artillery Gun
13 December 2025
Yorkshire branch

The Guns at Le Cateau: 26 August 1914

This is the stirring account of the one of the earliest battles of WW1

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Download
13 December 2025
Cork branch

Revisiting The 1964 Television Documentary Series 'The Great War'

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Russian Army
13 December 2025
Ox & Bucks branch

The Russian Army in the First World War

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World War I articles
1.25Th Cyclists
5 December 2025

From Putney Bridge to Jallianwala Bagh: The 1/25th County of London Cyclists 1914-1919

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Ludendorff Offensive 1918
28 November 2025

Revisiting the Ludendorff Offensives, March-July 1918

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22 November 2025

Alan Whicker meets the ‘merry mass of men’ returning to Ypres in 1961

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William Robert Simons
Remembered
On This Day, 11 December 1917
William Robert Simons died of wounds on this day in 1917

William was born at South Wigston, Leicestershire in 1892.

Read more about William Simons