Women carried out a wide variety of roles during the First World War, so that more men could be freed to fight. In this podcast, hear from those who joined the women’s war services. Find out why they signed up to work in often challenging roles and how they contributed to the war.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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