Old Front Line
WW1 Podcast with Paul Reed
Are We Forgetting The First World War?
Is the First World War slowly fading from public memory, or has our relationship with the Great War simply changed? In this episode, Are We Forgetting The First World War?, we explore how interest in WW1 has grown, shifted, and adapted over the last forty years, and what the future may hold.
We begin in the 1980s, with the formation and growth of the Western Front Association, a turning point that helped revive serious public interest in the First World War. From there, we chart the expansion of family history research, as available records and personal archives encouraged millions to reconnect with relatives who served. We also reflect on the passing of the last surviving First World War veterans, a deeply symbolic moment that changed how the war is remembered and commemorated.
The episode then examines the rise of battlefield tourism, local history projects, and public engagement that laid the foundations for the First World War Centenary (2014–2018), a period of unprecedented books, documentaries, exhibitions, podcasts, and community remembrance.
But what happened after the centenary ended? We explore the unexpected “Covid bonus”, when lockdowns sparked a surge in WW1 podcasts, YouTube channels, online talks, and digital history projects, bringing the Great War to new audiences in new ways.
Finally, we ask where we are today. Is interest in the First World War declining, fragmenting, or evolving? And crucially, what can historians, educators, content creators, and enthusiasts do to ensure the First World War is not forgotten?
Sign up for the free podcast newsletter here: Old Front Line Bulletin.
You can order Old Front Line Merch via The Old Front Line Shop.
Got a question about this episode or any others? Drop your question into the Old Front Line Discord Server or email the podcast.
2 Comments on “Are We Forgetting The First World War?”
Leave a comment
Old Front Line 
I haven’t listened to the Podcast just yet. I’m saving it up for later. The question is compelling. I’d like to think that interest is strong, however, largely with older people (45+). The WFA is very active in my area (Suffolk) and the meetings are extremely well attended – not least the bar is terrific at the RBL and there’s good packed dinner box and a really good raffle. Speakers are always excellent. The challenge is how to bring the younger generations on board. I know that WW1 is part of the curriculum (my daughter was quizzing me about the history of WW1 for her homework) and my three kids have been on school trips to Ypres. My son, now 26, and I have walked the Somme (using Paul’s terrific guide book) and Verdun. We’re doing the Meuse Argonne this year. ‘Warhorse’ brought lots of younger people to WW1 and popular culture includes films (e.g. 1917 – like it or hate it). Poppy Day appears to be as strong as ever, too. To captivate younger generations, I think the human interest element prevails. Battle strategy, etc, might be too dry. Walking past the WW1 Memorial to the fallen in our town could become more than a memorial. Each name has a story to be told and they would all be relevant, as they are local – maybe with relatives still living in the area. Maybe some initiative to create real people and tell their story out of their name chiselled in stone would stimulate interest across all generations. Schools could adopt one of the Fallen for their curriculum on WW1.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Alistair- all great suggestions. Let me know what you think when you’ve listened! Glad to hear your WFA branch is doing well, my fear is the general membership is now quite old and that needs to change going forward, I think.
LikeLike