Leeds in the First World War (26 photos)

When war broke out in August 1914, many assumed it would all be over by Christmas. As we all know now, that was not to be, and the Great War took its toll on Leeds along with every other city, town and village in the UK. As well as providing more than 80,000 men to join the forces, in regiments such as the Leeds Pals, Leeds played its part in the war effort in many different ways. Its traditional textile industries helped to keep the troops in uniform on the front line, with firms like Burton’s and Hepworth’s making a significant contribution. Newer industries such as the munitions factory at Barnbow were also crucial to the Allies’ success. In addition, Leeds was involved in the fledgling aircraft industry through the Blackburn Aircraft Company, and Leeds University also made major contributions in research and technology to aid the war effort.