On War Service is a group of friends and history enthusiasts who have spent many years involved in living history groups. We are a family-friendly, not-for-profit group representing soldiers, nurses, war workers and civilians.
We offer the opportunity to learn about life at the front, in hospitals, in munitions factories, on farms and at home. We attend a wide range of local and national events to bring to life the history of ordinary people who served in the First World War.
Disclaimer: On War Service is a non-political organisation.
Please click on the galleries below for more photographs of On War Service members at events.
On War Service will be participating in these events in 2023
15-16 Apr 2023 | International Living History Festival, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove, B60 4JR |
29-30 Apr 2023 | On War Service at Dumfries Museum, Dumfries, Scotland, DG2 7SW |
30 Apr - 1 May 2023 | Pembrey Country Park, Burry Port, South Wales, SA16 0EJ |
1 Jul 2023 | Somerset Armed Forces Day, Vivary Park, Taunton, TA1 3SX |
22nd Jul 2023 | Devil's Porridge Museum, Annan Rd, Eastriggs, DG12 6TF |
TBC | Winsford Cottage Hospital, Beaworthy, Devon, EX21 5XU |
On War Service at Dumfries
Dumfries Museum, Scotland
Open to the public
29-30 April 2023
World War 1 Weekend
Pembrey Country Park, South Wales
Open to the public
30 Apr - 1 May 2023
Devil’s Porridge Museum
Dumfries and Galloway
Open to the public
22nd Jul 2023
Our members are available for local and national events. We provide displays, give talks to groups and schools, do media work and participate in commemorative activities.
We are all enthusiasts who are happy to provide advice on many aspects of the First World War and associated family history.
We hold public liability insurance, and provide a full risk assessment for our activities.
Contact us to discuss how we can support your event.
As a group we aim to be as accurate as possible in our portrayals. This will require anyone joining us to invest time in research, and money to acquire the right clothing and personal equipment. Other than that, we just want enthusiastic historians (novices or experienced) to join the team.
The first stage is to contact us on the e-mail below and chat to one of our team. Or come and visit us at an event.
Please note that we are not able to hire out uniforms or equipment. Our uniforms are made to measure and most of the equipment is original so will not be loaned out.