Three wounded British soldiers, September 1916

Podcast 29: Wounded

There were many ways a man could be wounded during the First World War. The medical services carried out essential first aid under dangerous conditions, and were often over-stretched during the chaos of battle. Find out what it was like to be wounded and to help those who were hurt in Podcast 29: Wounded.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

IWM PST 5277 - Copy

Podcast 28: War in the air

From dangerous reconnaissance missions over the lines, to bombing raids and shooting down observation balloons, hear from those who fought in the skies in Podcast 28: War in the air.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Canadians returning from Vimy Ridge

Podcast 27: Arras and Vimy

The Battle of Arras in April 1917 opened the Nivelle Offensive, which it was hoped would be a breakthrough for the Allies. Although the first day was successful – most notably the Canadian capture of Vimy Ridge – the attack later stalled and the casualties mounted as the weeks went by.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The crew of a German UC-1 class submarine on deck

Podcast 26: The submarine war

Submarines were deadly weapons of war. British fears of the ‘U-boat menace’ led to a series of measures designed to combat them – including convoys and Q ships. Hear from those who served in U-boats – and from those who were their victims – in Podcast 26: The submarine war.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Shell bursting amongst the barbed wire entanglements on the battlefield at Beaumont Hamel, December 1916

Podcast 25: Winter 1916-17

During the bitterly cold winter of 1916-17, the men who served on the Western Front soon found that as well as battling against an enemy – they were also fighting against the elements. Hear from some of those who lived through the frozen conditions of Winter 1916-17.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Tanks, by Sir William Orpen, 1917

Podcast 24: Tanks on the Somme

Tanks were developed to carry troops across the trenches, barbed wire and shell holes that covered the Western Front. Seen as a means of breaking the deadlock of trench warfare, the armoured vehicles were designed to smash through enemy defences while protecting the men inside. Hear from those who first served in them in Podcast 24: Tanks on the Somme.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Three wounded soldiers in a dressing station at Morlancourt, near Albert

Podcast 23: The first day of the Somme

Planned as a major offensive to break the deadlock on the Western Front in 1916, the Battle of the Somme promised much – but delivered little. On the opening day of the assault, the British suffered 60,000 casualties and failed to achieve the great victory the Allies had hoped for. Hear from those who took part in this notorious battle in Podcast 23: The first day of the Somme.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

The gun crew of ‘P’ turret of the battlecruiser HMS New Zealand after the Battle of Jutland

Podcast 22: Jutland

When the German and British fleets met off the coast of Jutland on the last day of May 1916, the largest naval battle of the First World War took place. Hundreds of ships and thousands of men took part in what was a confused and bloody encounter. In this podcast, hear from those who fought in the action.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

MH 34058 - Copy

Podcast 21: News from the front

For the many millions of men who served in the First World War, maintaining contact with their families and loved ones back home was important. Hear how they kept in touch, in Podcast 21: News from the front.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

Two obviously dirty and unshaven Canadian soldiers having a meal in a trench.

Podcast 20: Trench life

Trench warfare is perhaps the most enduring legacy of the First World War. Men could spend months or years at a time in often muddy, unclean and rat-infested lines dug into the ground. In this podcast, hear from those who survived trench life.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.