The month of July was not an auspicious month during the First World War.

In 1916 it had the worst day in history for the British military in terms of casualties and deaths in one day, on 1 July – the start of the Battle of the Somme. One year later on 31 July 1917 the Third Battle of Ypres started, often remembered for the Battle of Passchendaele, which was during one of the wettest summers on record, the ground around Ypres turning to mud with men drowning in shell holes. Of course, July 1918 was different again as the battles turned in favour of the Allies.

However, July 2025 is when we have chosen to bring you some different insights into the First World War with the reissue of our short course from 2024, exploring the First World War from beyond the battles. This course contains a series of talks that look at the war's impact on women, the home front, minorities living in the UK at the time and the relationship with Ireland and the Irish. It offers a chance to look at the war beyond the tragedies and the small victories of the Julys of 1914–1918.

Access the short course below (HA members only):