Explore our stories

The Underworld: Taking cover in a Tube Station during a London air raid, 1918 by Walter Bayes
IWM ART 935
First World War

The Air Raids That Shook Britain In The First World War

During the First World War, Britain came under attack from the air, putting civilians in the firing line for the very first time.  

At the start of the war, Britain was ill-prepared to deal with the threat from enemy airships and aircraft. Traditionally its home defence focussed on defending the coastline rather than its airspace and with most of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) operating overseas, few aircraft remained to defend Britain.

Shop for Machining 15-inch Shells: Singer Manufacturing Company, Clydebank, Glasgow, 1918
© IWM (Art.IWM ART 2271)
Women in Wartime

12 Things You Didn't Know About Women In The First World War

The First World War brought many changes in the lives of British women. It is often represented as having had a wholly positive impact, opening up new opportunities in the world of work and strengthening their case for the right to vote. The reality is more complex. 

Bomb damage to 61 - 67 Warrington Crescent in St John's Wood, London, following the German air raid on the night of 7 - 8 March 1918.
First World War

Firsts of the First World War

The First World War was a war of innovation. Advances in weaponry and military technology provoked tactical changes as each side tried to gain an advantage over the other. Here are 10 important 'firsts' that happened during the First World War, the effects of which can still be felt today.