Welcome to the Long, Long Trail
The Long, Long Trail is all about the British Army in the First World War:
aimed at the family and military researcher,
it is a tribute to the men and women
who fought and won - and to the million who died trying.
Australian troops hold Garter Point in the awful Passchendaele battlefield of 1917
Focus on family
There's been an explosion of interest in family history and the part played by British men and women in the Great War since the Long, Long Trail began way back in 1996. You'll find the site packed with useful information for family historians.
Research a soldier: the basics of what is available and how to find information
Soldier's life: background information to help you understand the context
Insights: in-depth information: army law, soldier's numbers, definitions, abbreviations...
Hall of Memory: leave a commemoration of your family members
Latest addition to the Long, Long Trail
The British Army came close to defeat in March and April 1918. A political decision to agree to extend the front line being held, plus a crisis in manpower, were major contributory and highly controversial factors. Why did these things come about? All is explained.
Extension of the lineManpower crisis
Latest book review
The plot to kill Lloyd George: the story of Alice Wheeldon and the Pear Tree conspiracy, and
K Boat catastrophe : eight ships and five collisions
A joint review of two books, similar in concept: an analysis of controversial incidents during the Great War, both kept under wraps and away from public scrutiny. More
The Dugout : the Long, Long Trail's bookstore
For all your WW1 books, browse the Long, Long Trail's own bookstore, The Dugout
Do you need more help researching a soldier?
Planning a trip to the battlefields this year?
You are sure to find our accommodation lists and notes on each of the key areas to be useful when planning your visit: area by area battlefield touring guide
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