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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16 April 2026

Alec Hunter Academy pupils visit Ypres and the Somme with WFA grant

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To Tilt This Tilted
11 April 2026

Newly digitised and searchable: The Illustrated War News

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10 April 2026

First World War burials and rededication ceremonies in April and May 2026

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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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21 April 2026

The Lonely Anzac

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15 April 2026

Morale and Sensemaking on the Western Front

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9 April 2026

Ace in a Day: instances of WW1 airmen shooting down multiple opponents in a single day

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Ludovicus Cloostermans
Remembered
On This Day, 21 April 1916
Louis Cloostermans died of wounds on this day in 1916

Ludovicus 'Louis' Cloostermans was born at Scherpenheuvel, Flemish Brabant, on 21 June 1896.

Read more about Louis Cloostermans

Upcoming events

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21 April 2026
Cleveland branch

Australian Pilots of the Great War

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Avaiation On Gallipoli
23 April 2026
Spalding and South Lincs branch

Aviation in the Dardanelles and Gallipoli Campaigns

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25 April 2026

Anzac Day Dawn Service, Villers-Bretonneux

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25 April 2026

Anzac Day Dawn Service, Polygon Wood

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25 April 2026
Cork branch

Cork and the 1916 Rising: Order, Counterorder and Disorder

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25 April 2026
Cork branch

Slaughter on the Somme

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27 April 2026
Hampshire & Isle of Wight branch

AGM & Members Evening

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Lincolnshire Aviation
27 April 2026
Lincoln & North Lincolnshire branch

The Shimmering Blue; Lincolnshire Aviation in World War One

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Charge At Moy (1)
28 April 2026
Lancashire (East) branch

The 12th Lancers Moy , 28th August 1914. How to get it right first time !

An examination of the cavalry action at Moy de L'Aisne 28th August 1914

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