Introducing Our New Website: A Quick Guide to Get You Started
We are delighted to announce the launch of the new website of The Western Front Association. This updated platform has been designed to make it easier for members to access resources, explore our collections, and stay up to date with the latest news and events.
Why we built a new website
Our goal has been to create a modern, clearer, and more user-friendly experience. The new site offers:
- Improved navigation and search tools
- Faster access to articles, member resources and branch information
- A cleaner layout for easier reading
- Better support for mobile and tablet users
- Fresh tools and improved organisation for membership features
How to Find Your Way Around
Here are some pointers to help you get started on the new site:
Improved Navigation Menu
The new menu structure has been designed to be simpler and more intuitive. You can now search using the top navigation bars with drop down menus. Explore each section to see how content has been reorganised for ease of use.
Smaller screens (mobiles and tablets)
Many members may access the website via mobile phones or tablets. These have smaller screens. The website dynamically adapts to the device used, and on these simply access the menu via the 'hamburger' icon in the usual way.
The hamburger menu is the small button with three horizontal lines - like a little stack of bars in the top right hand corner of the screen. Tap it to open the main menu
Better Search Tools
A greatly improved search feature allows you to:
- Quickly locate articles and resources
- Filter by topic, branch, date, and more
- The search icon in the top right makes it much easier to find what you're looking for. Just type a word or phrase, and you'll see more accurate, relevant results - faster than before.
Whether you’re researching a soldier or reading up on a particular battle, the search tool is now more powerful and responsive.
Member Access
Member services and benefits are easier to find and use. On the new site, you can:
- Log in from the top-right corner
- Access member-only content and resources
- Update your membership details
- Manage renewal more easily
If you experience any login issues, please reach out—we’re here to help during this transition.
Find your local branch
With a new interactive map you can zoom in and out and click on a WFA logo to find details of branches near you, or (for UK members) undertake a post code search. You can also find details of events 'near you'.
Events & Branch Activities
Our programme of branch talks, national webinars and other events, plus commemorative activities is now much easier to browse. Events can be filtered by date or branch, helping you find something near you—or online—more quickly.
We Welcome Your Feedback
As we continue to refine the new website, your input is invaluable. If you spot anything that isn’t working as expected or have suggestions for improvements, please let us know. This new platform is built for our members, and your experience guides its development. You can use the "Contact us" form at the very end of the Frequently asked questions (FAQs) below.
Start Exploring Today
We hope you enjoy the refreshed design and improved features, and we look forward to hearing what you think.
Why has the website been redesigned?
We’ve updated the website to create a faster, clearer, and more user-friendly experience.
The new layout improves access to articles, archives, branch information, and membership services, especially for mobile and tablet users.
Do I need a new login for the new website?
No. Your existing Western Front Association membership login will work on the new site.
When you first sign in you will need to set a new password that is 12 digits long and contains one number, one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter and one special character.
If you have trouble signing in, please contact us and we will assist you.
Where can I login as a member and find member-only content?
After logging in, member-only content and resources are accessible through the main navigation menu.
You can also browse the archive and digital collections directly from the homepage.
How do I find my local branch information?
The Branches section now provides a clearer directory of all WFA branches.
You can search for your nearest UK branch by inputting your postcode. It is possible to toggle between UK branches and 'International' branches. Use the map to easily see the branches near where you live.
You can browse events, branch contacts, and local activities more easily using the improved filters.
How do I search on the new site?
The new search tool allows you to look for articles, documents, photographs, and other materials. It’s designed to help you find information more quickly and accurately.
Can I still access back-copies of magazines
Yes, Stand To! and Bulletin are still available from issue number 1 to the present issue. These can be accessed by members in the Searchable Magazine Archive area.
As before, this area also contains numerous other digitised magazines, such as the branch publications 'Gun Fire' and Firestep' plus Purnell's History of the First World War, I Was There!, Twenty Years After and others.
What's new?
We have some brand new sections, such as "Generals' biographies".
We have also brought the on-going project to create videos from the I Was There! magazines onto the website, which can now be located much easier by theme.
There is a brand new Schools and Universities area which provides information on the WFA's schools competitions plus the support available for university students.
Can I find articles that interest me on the new site?
We are particularly proud of the new facility to help find content that is of particular interest. With nearly double the number of articles from the previous site, there's a lot to explore.
But this content is now much easier to find. You can search using 'chronology' or 'fronts' or 'People' or 'Author' plus lots more. Please do explore this function.
Although functional at launch, within a few days this will be even and easier to use!
Will all content from the old site be available on the new site?
Most content has already been moved and reorganised. A small number of older items are still being reviewed and updated, and these will continue to be added over time.
What should I do if I find something that isn’t working?
We welcome your feedback—early reports help us refine and improve the new website.
If you encounter any issues, or spot anything missing or out of place, please let us know via our contact page.
Who can I contact for help with the new website?
If you need assistance with logging in, navigating the site, or accessing content, please get in touch with our team.
You can use the Contact Us form or you can ring our team on 0207 118 1914.
We’re happy to help you get the most from the new site.
