First World War Commemorations

One hundred years on, we are all connected to the First World War, either through our own family history, the heritage of our local communities or because of its long-term impact on society and the world we live in today. 1,117,077 Commonwealth Service men and women were killed during the First World War. The losses were felt in almost every town and village in the UK.

From 2014 to 2018, across the world, nations, communities and individuals of all ages will come together to mark, commemorate and remember the lives of those who lived, fought and died in the First World War.

Here in Leicester and Leicestershire there will be many projects and events established to mark the centenary. Many of these events will be focused in local communities and some will bring together the whole community in commemoration.

To co-ordinate and publicise centenary activities in Leicester and Leicestershire a range of organisations have come together to form the Leicester and Leicestershire WW1 Centenary Reference Group. These dedicated web pages is an example of the work of the group, and you will find more information here.

We want to encourage everyone to get involved in this important anniversary.  If you are planning an event then please send details to and share with the wider community.

 Letters from the Front

Read some letters from the front from the Capt J D Hills blog site that posts copies of letters that were sent 100 years from the day they are viewed.