Background

In the run up to the First World War centenary commemorations, AMOT was aware that military museums and collections across the nation held a substantial collection of records of all types concerning the First World War. 

AMOT made the case to the government that these collections were of national importance and should be digitised, ensuring two outcomes: first, permanent survival and second, much wider and swifter access both by the museums and researchers.  Particular emphasis was made of the potential needs of the education sector, as interest at community level grew.  AMOT was allocated funding from HM Treasury (funded by the Chancellor using LIBOR Funds) to carry out the digitisation of archives held by those museums that wished to benefit from this project. 

Much hard work was undertaken by everyone involved, especially the many volunteers and museum staff who worked countless hours preparing archives for digitisation. This also involved undertaking training on areas such as handling and caring for archives, preventative conservation, effective cataloguing and the creation of digital metadata. Also training on copyright including digital copyright and promotion of archives through online platforms such as social media to increase accessibility and engagement.  The project was achieved, and every participating museum had all their relevant archives digitised to the national standard, overseen by The National Archive.  Over 2 million items were digitised including some never-before-seen material: documents, photographs, letters, diaries and more, all related to the British Army and the men and women who served. 

Some of these digital archives were originally placed centrally on The Ogilby Muster ‘TOM’ platform accessed through the AMOT website.  You may have previously accessed archives in this way but now, all digitised versions of archives are being transferred to the museums from which the original documents were digitised. 

Covering the period 1900 to 1929, the TOM project has preserved the experiences and memories of those who served in the First World War for future generations.  AMOT is delighted to have produced a digital resource of national importance which ensures these First World War digital records remain safe for the future and available through individual museums. 

For all WW1 archive enquiries, please directly contact the relevant Museums, Regiments and Corps through their own websites or via our Museum Directory