As we remember 100 years since the First World War, here are 20 iconic photos taken in the trenches and front lines. Photographers risked their lives alongside soldiers to bring the story of the war home.
Dubbed ‘The War To End War’, the WWI was a futile and wholly avoidable conflict.
Political meddling and nefarious ambition led to a war that claimed 17 million lives and left 21 million injured.
These 20 photos are our selection of the best from the trenches and front lines of the war. Watch the video for HD resolution or see the photos below.
Photos
1. British/ANZAC trench, Northern France
2. Over the top
Interested in More?
9/10Our Score
- Our best choice for books on World War II
- From Blitzkrieg to the Atom Bomb
- Complete visual guide in chronological order
- Sensational photography
3. The town of Gommecourt on the front line
4. A German soldier throws a hand grenade
5. Brits at the Third Battle of Ypres
6. An aerial view of the Western Front
This Book Goes Deeper…
8.5/10Our Score
- 9 main contemporary maps, including battle maps from both Allies and Axis countries, explain key events.
- Easy-to-read text panels to accompany the maps for a deeper understanding of each topic.
- Set out into 5 Chapters with 11 narrative overviews
- 30 photo feature spreads exploring topics beyond the War
- Produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution.
7. Pill box demolishers
8. A German prisoner with British soldier
9. British artillery bombards German positions on the Western Front
10. Soldiers in the trenches write letters home
11. Aerial view of the Somme Front
Best Book About D-Day
8.5/10Our Score
- The epic story of men at the most demanding moment of their lives
- Drawing on more than 1,400 interviews
- Focusing on those pivotal twenty-four hours
12. Gas attack on the Flanders front
13. Australian soldier rescues a comrade
14. Slavic soldiers as the German cavalry broke through
15. The 9th British Lancers charging German artillery
16. A wounded soldier receives treatment
17. Chateau Woods, 3rd Battle of Ypres, 1917
Best Book About World War II Pilots
9/10Our Score
- full story of the B-17 Flying Fortress Susan Ruth in exquisite detail.
- Author is the pilot's son
- in-depth details about aspects of World War II that few understand
18. French soldiers in a bayonet charge
19. War Rations
20. Soldier at Grave
Let us never forget!
H/T: TheAtlantic.com
