The Century of Wars

Soldiers in World War I

Unlike other great powers, Britain had a small but professional army, which was supplemented by volunteers at the early stages of the war. Altogether approximately 2,5 million civilians volunteered to join the British Army. Conscription was introduced only in 1916.

During the 1st World War the soldiers fighting on the fronts, in the trenches, had to endure the greatest suffering. The
initial enthusiasm and fighting spirit gradually evaporated by the end of the war, due to the long drawn-out struggle and enormous losses on both sides.

In the course of the war the soldiers´ equipment changed as well. For example, the steel helmet was introduced as a
result of the growing number of head injuries caused by flying shrapnel.

In the following part you can meet soldiers of the three great armies fighting on the Western Front.

Helmet

The so-called Brodie helmet became part of the equipment of British soldiers in 1915.

Lewis automatic
machine gun

This was one of the first portable, light machine guns. During the war its use was preferred on airplanes as well, thanks mainly to the easily interchangeable, top-mounted magazine.

Lee–Enfield rifle

This bolt-action, 10 shot magazine-fed repeating rifle was the main firearm used by the military forces of the British Empire during both World Wars.

Mills bomb

The most widely used hand grenade, resembling a small pineapple, was named after its inventor, William Mills.

Webley Revolver

As well as officers, tank crews and machine gunners were equipped with these six-shooters.