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™
Pension Record Cards Web V1.1

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
Dr Spencer Jones
9 January 2026

Introducing our new President, Dr Spencer Jones

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Cornwall UK Locator Map 2010.Svg
7 January 2026

Possible new Cornwall branch

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Holt 20251229
6 January 2026

Valmai Holt awarded MBE in New Year Honours

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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
02 Worcestershire Regiment Officers
13 January 2026

From Birkenhead to Bazentin

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Square 25
11 January 2026

1000 Yards, 1000 Bodies - WW1 In A Single Field

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The Rush To Arms In 1914
5 January 2026

The Rush to Arms in 1914

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George Allan Exley
Remembered
On This Day, 14 January 1917
George Allan Exley was killed in action on this day in 1917

George Exley was born Leeds, 2 July 1893, the only son of John Exley of Farr Road, a pharmaceutical chemist, and his wife Mary Elizabeth.

Read more about George Allan Exley

Upcoming events

Header Nieuwpoort Belgium
14 January 2026
Heart of England branch

The Belgian Coast in World War I – an exploration by train, tram, foot and frites

Join us to hear more about Peter's inspired journey along the Belgian Coast.

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Siberian Warsaw
14 January 2026
Somerset branch

The Eastern Front

A overview of the Eastern Front from 1914 to 1917

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Steve Bolton
14 January 2026
Essex branch

Total War and Women Footballers – The Dagenham Invincibles of World War 1

The story of the top women's football team in the First World War, a perfect start to this World Cup year

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I’M Out! Escape To The Frontier
15 January 2026
London (East) branch

“I’m Out! Escape to The Frontier” with Peter Hart

The adventures of escaped British POWs

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Unknown
16 January 2026
Milton Keynes branch

The German Raid on Scarborough

Kevin’s talk covers the controversial German raid on Scarborough, 16th December 1914

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Images
16 January 2026
Worcestershire & Herefordshire branch

A Sailor in the Great War

For many young men, the military was an escape from an austere existence.

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Germans March 1918
17 January 2026
Birmingham branch

A day of magnificent achievement

How did four out numbered British divisions thwart Operation Mars within the course of one day?

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Bourlon Wood (1)
17 January 2026
Scotland (Tayside) branch

A Wood Too Far? – Bourlon Wood, November 1917.

Was Bourlon Wood a Wood too Far?

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Jan 2026.1.1
19 January 2026
Leicestershire & Rutland branch

The Quintinshill Disaster

The forgotten Railway Disaster of the Great War

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