First World War

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

In 1914, the war aim of all nations was simple: victory. By the time that victory came about in 1918 the celebrations were muted. Too much had been lost, and tragedy had touched almost every household. 

This Pitkin guide presents the history of the reality and the horrors of the Great War, which left a deep impact on a generation and subsequent generations, marked by the war graves and memorials in Flanders that still move visitors.

Contemporary photographs, propaganda and maps bring this sobering period of world history to life.

Look out for more Pikin Guides on history and heritage.