In this podcast, those who fought in the major naval battles from the outbreak of war in 1914 up until early 1915 describe what they witnessed. Listen to their memories of the encounters between the British and German fleets in the North Sea, south Atlantic and Pacific ocean.

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During the cold winter months of 1914-15, soldiers stationed on the Western Front sought shelter in the newly-built trenches that became so characteristic of the First World War. But these defence systems could not offer complete protection for front-line troops. Freezing cold weather, rain and mud made life in the trenches far from comfortable – and enemy artillery and snipers were a constant threat.

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The Christmas Truce of 1914 has become almost legendary over time, with stories of German and British soldiers putting down their arms to play football in no man’s land. But what really happened? Find out from those who witnessed this incredible – and unexpected – piece of history.

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When war broke out in August 1914, many said that it would be ‘over by Christmas’. By the end of the year, however, the high rate of casualties and shocking acts of violence against civilians made it clear that would not be the case. Here, those who lived through that time explain how they came to realize this.

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As soon as the First World War broke out in August 1914, men from across Europe were sent into battle. Listen to some of them recall what they experienced – fighting on land, in the air and at sea – in the first month of the war.

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Within days of the outbreak of war in 1914, armed forces across Europe were mobilised. Over the following weeks, the men all made their way to the front lines.

Hear about the experiences of some of those who left their homes behind as they went off to the front.

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Here is the fifth in a series of podcasts that delve into the IWM’s Sound Archive to bring you the voices of those who lived through the First World War.

How do you turn ordinary men into soldiers? Find out how some of the armed forces’ newest recruits reacted to military training in 1914 in Podcast 5: Training for war.

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Here is the fourth in a series of podcasts that delve into the IWM’s Sound Archive to bring you the voices of those who lived through the First World War.

The outbreak of war in August 1914 affected thousands of people across Europe. Listen to the experiences of some of those who found themselves in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

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Here is the third in a series of podcasts that delve into the IWM Sound Archive to bring you the voices of those who lived through the First World War.

In ‘Podcast 3: Joining up’ a range of people describe how and why men enlisted following the outbreak of war.

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Here is the second in a series of podcasts that delve into the IWM’s Sound Archive to bring you the voices of those who lived through the First World War.

Find out how people reacted to the news of the outbreak of war in August 1914.

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