Swindon and World War One 

Lest We Forget: our four-part chronicle of the role Swindon people played in the Great War

 

As we commemorate this year the 105th anniversary of the end of the Great War, many of us will take a moment to contemplate a time when the whole country entered a tragic conflict that changed the world for ever.

But while very few people in Swindon can actually remember the First World War, let alone had direct relatives who fought in it, no one should forget that when the ten blasts of the Swindon Works hooter blew out on August 4th, 1914 it signalled, without question, the worst four years in the town’s entire history.

It was a period of extreme hardship and horrific suffering that affected the town in so many ways — not least in the ultimate sacrifice made by hundreds of Swindon’s brave souls who gallantly joined in the fight, never to return again.

Four part commemoration

In remembering the 105th anniversary of the end of World War One on the 11th November 2023, here we chronicle - in four parts - the full and fascinating story of Swindon’s part in the conflict.

Starting with Part One, 'The War at Home', and following in the run up to Rememberance Day with 'Action', 'The Works' and 'Little known facts', we hope it will stand as testament to the contribution made by this town from 1914 - 1918.

 
Lest we forget a century on.