What challenges did medics face on the Western Front?
The range of weapons used meant there was a variety of ways men could be wounded. New techniques were developed to help treat injuries.
Use this ready-made PowerPoint to introduce Lives of the First World War to your class.
Pick Life Stories to investigate and download the Powerpoint containing primary sources relating to that person.
Take a look at our suggested activities to try with your class, as well as other IWM resources that relate to the theme.
Use Lives of the First World War to research names on your local war memorial - this could be a school memorial to former pupils, or a town or community monument.
We have selected Life Stories connected to this theme. Download the pack of sources connected to the Life Story.
Robert Jones continued the work of his uncle Hugh Owen Thomas, who invented the Thomas Splint
Download Pack
Geoffrey created a portable machine which stored blood for transfusions
Download Pack1. Use the facts, images, evidence and stories on Life Story pages to compare and contrast individual experiences - think about similarities and differences between these people’s lives.
2. Study one of the primary sources in detail. When was it written, and for what purpose? What does it tell you about the person’s Life Story? Pick out details about their age, background and family. How does this information relate to their wartime experiences?
3. Create a mini exhibition based on one person’s story. Select three sources from the person’s Life Story page, and create a title and theme for the exhibition.
4. Encourage creative responses inspired by a Life Story, such as poetry, letters, art, drama, music, or dance.
Ten ways a First World War soldier could stay healthy in the trenches
The Charles Skey Charitable Trust
We used Lives of the First World War with Year 9 students in order to help them research a soldier. This inspired them to create an original piece of artwork, which we displayed in school.
Hinchley Wood School
Help IWM piece together the Life Stories of over 8 million men and women from across Britain and the Commonwealth who served in uniform and worked on the home front during the First World War.
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