The First World War

From the home front to the front line: life during the 'war to end all wars' as seen through the lens of newsreel, propaganda and drama.

Films made and shown in Britain between 1914 and 1918 reflect the scale and horror of the unfolding conflict across multiple theatres of war, but also capture a nation trying to get on with everyday life. Filmmakers shot everything from local events and celebrations to short comedies that provided a much-needed dose of light relief in difficult times. Insights into the changing role of women in wartime and Britain's reliance on colonial troops can also be found.

After WWI, Armistice Day and Remembrance ceremonies were often caught on film, while British cinema produced epic dramas addressing the experiences of the Great War into the 1920s and beyond.

19 items in this collection

Battle Front in Britain

A muted newsreel tribute to Austria's Archduke Franz Ferdinand - victim of an assassin's bullet in an event that would soon take Europe to war.

The Austrian Tragedy Gaumont Graphic No. 342

Lightning sketch propaganda stirs outrage about Reims bombing, and features a British bulldog eating the German sausage

Bully Boy

Poignant scenes of Allied troops enjoying their Yuletide rations at the first Christmas of WWI.

Christmas at the Front Topical Budget 175-1

"Stop the War" Demonstration in Trafalgar Square Gaumont Graphic No. 352

Newsreel footage captures the aftermath of riots in Liverpool following the sinking of Cunard liner 'the Lusy' during WWI.

Anti-German Riots in Liverpool following the Loss of 'Lusitania'

Colonial recruits from Trinidad meet the Lord Mayor of London during WWI

From Trinidad to Serve the Empire Topical Budget 230-2

Two sisters love the same man - one marries him, but the effects of WWI complicate their relationship

Keep the Home Fires Burning

London: Air Raid, 1917

Australian Troops at the Pyramids

Rescue Work in No Man's Land Topical Budget 332-2

Armistice