The Manchesters Go to War

14 June 2014 – 24 January 2015

It's probably nothing more than legend that everyone expected the First World War to be over by Christmas when hostilities broke out in the summer of 1914.

What is without doubt, however, is that Britain's forces were tiny in comparison with the other great powers.

If the UK was to have any influence on the land war it would need a much bigger army.

The secretary of state for war, Lord Kitchener, recognised this fact and immediately launched a massive recruiting drive which led to thousands of men volunteering for service.

'The Manchesters Go to War' exhibition tells the story of the men who answered the call of king and country and joined the Manchester Regiment.