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 at Garter Point in the Ypres salient

Focus on family


familyThere'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.
moreResearch a soldier: the basics of what is available and how to find information
moreSoldier's life: background information to help you understand the context
moreInsights: in-depth information: army law, soldier's numbers, definitions, abbreviations...
more
Hall of Memory: leave a commemoration of your family members

Latest addition to the Long, Long Trail

poppyThe 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.
moreExtension of the line
moreManpower 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. moreMore

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?

The Long, Long Trail is pleased to recommend fourteeneighteen|research
Army service records with fourteeneighteen

Planning a trip to the battlefields this year?

On the Somme
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