Welcome to Wight at War

Welcome to the official website for the Isle of Wight Commemoration of the Centenary of the First World War.

 

The Great War changed not only warfare but society around the world – for those who fought, but also those who were left behind. It altered and shaped a generation, the "English Class System" was irreversibly changed as were many monarchal dynasties in Europe, all of which in one sense or another made us what we are today.

 

The Commemoration events will, as was the case with the actual war, run over four years – starting on the 4th August 2014 and finishing on the 11th November 2018. This has been described as ‘more a marathon than a sprint’.

 

Here you can find information relevant to the Isle of Wight, learn ways to obtain resources, be able to look through slide presentations and use links to other related sites.

 

You will also be able to send in and share family stories, research and information with others. Schools have a area that they can use.

 

 

At the end of these Commemorations in 2018 this site will be archived with copies going to the Imperial War Museum and the British Library so that researchers can still use the information.

 

Island Events

The Last Hundred Days

The Last Hundred Days

Sunday 11 Nov 2018
The last hundred days of the Great War that ended on the 11th of November 1918 at 11amRead more...
Battle of the Somme

Battle of the Somme

Friday 01 Jan 2016
Commemorations to mark the beginning of the Battle of the Somme in 1916.Read more...
WW1 Roadshow - West Wight

WW1 Roadshow - West Wight

Saturday 21 Nov 2015
A new Roadshow in Freshwater 21 November 2015Read more...
Gallipoli and the Isle of Wight Rifles

Gallipoli and the Isle of Wight Rifles

Thursday 13 Aug 2015
Talk at St Swithin's Church, Thorley - 13th AugustRead more...
Newport's Great War Memorial

Newport's Great War Memorial

Wednesday 12 Aug 2015
Dedication of statueRead more...

Island Stories

One Mans War - A Privates Record

One Mans War - A Privates Record

Posted: 20 Jul 15
Private TH Sprake 2050 RAMC - An archive of a family historyRead more...
Captain Graves

Captain Graves

Posted: 01 Jul 15
An Osborne House inmateRead more...
William Mariner VC

William Mariner VC

Posted: 23 Jun 15
Ex Isle of Wight prisoner rememberedRead more...
The Denham Family of Newport Serve Their Country in WW1

The Denham Family of Newport Serve Their Country in WW1

Posted: 02 Jun 15
Brothers Reg and Jack Denham and their Uncle Jack serve in Gallipoli and FranceRead more...
The Urry Brothers and William Richardson of the Isle of Wight Rifles

The Urry Brothers and William Richardson of the Isle of Wight Rifles

Posted: 07 May 15
A Newport family joins B company of the 1/8th Hampshire Regiment and all are lost at Gallipoli.Read more...