First world war: the soldier's perspective – in pictures

The British army banned the use of personal cameras on Christmas Eve in 1914, but privates and officers carried on using them. Over the last 25 years, the historian Richard van Emden has assembled a vast collection of their photographs. From al fresco cooking to swimming expeditions, he illuminates the experience of the ordinary soldier.

Two officers of the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment pose for the camera in February 1915. The private possession of cameras had been banned by the army on Christmas Eve 1914. Nevertheless, the officer on the right is holding a Vest Pocket Kodak. Photograph: Richard van Emden.

Behind the front lines after taking a dip: this officer carries an umbrella 'borrowed' from a billet in Ypres. Photograph: Richard van Emden.

Goatskins were widely issued to the infantry. Both waterproof and windproof, they very popular in the trenches, as this picture from the winter of 1914 shows. Photograph: Richard van Emden

Cooks of the 14th Field Ambulance prepare a beef and vegetable stew in dixies, October 1914. Photograph: Richard van Emden

More than 1.1 million men volunteered to fight in 1914. These men are undertaking physical training known as 'Swedish Drill' in June 1915. Photograph: Richard van Emden

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