World War I Through a British Soldier’s Lens

British soldiers during World War I, often referred to as “Tommy Atkins,” faced immense challenges and hardships. They fought primarily in the trenches of France and Belgium, enduring constant bombardment, disease, and unsanitary conditions.

The soldiers were typically conscripted or volunteered from across the British Empire, with many coming from rural areas. The war introduced new technologies like tanks, machine guns, and poison gas, making the battlefield even more lethal.

Despite the horrors of trench warfare, soldiers displayed incredible resilience and camaraderie, with many enduring years of grueling combat. The war had a profound impact on British society, leaving deep psychological and physical scars on those who fought. These vintage photos from Shane Egan were taken by a British soldier when he served during World War I.