UK First World War - Kent

UK First World War Tour - Kent

• ‘Your Country Needs You!’

  The composition of the British Army before 1914. Recruitment during the First World War? Volunteers & Conscripts. Why did men enlist? Conscientious Objectors
• Tommy’s kit and equipment

  A chance to examine the kit and equipment was issued to the British soldier in 1914. How and why did uniforms, kit and equipment develop during the war?
• Weaponry

  How did the weaponry available to the British Tommy during the First World War? SMLE Rifle and bayonet; development of the grenade; trench weapons.
• Food and drink

  What was the diet of the British soldier during the First World War? How did this compare to life at home? How was food and drink transported to the Front Line?
• Going up the Line

  Trench construction and the nature of trench warfare. What was life really like for a soldier in the First World War? Trench routine; health & hygiene in the trenches.
• Treating the wounded

  How were battlefield wounds, injuries and illnesses were treated during the First World War? The Casualty Evacuation Process. What equipment was available to medical personnel? New techniques and technologies introduced during the war.
• Sittingbourne Cemetery

  A guided tour of the cemetery will look at: why were these men buried in the UK? The role & ethos of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Young soldiers, Empire troops and Gallantry medals. How are those with no known grave remembered? The Fallen of WW2. There will also be a chance for reflection