Twenty Men and Women of the War

Britain's most well-known First World War fighter ace. Ball shot down 44 German aircraft and received much publicity for his aerial exploits. Aged only 19 when he went to fly at the Western Front in 1916, he was awarded the Victoria Cross after his death the following year.

The British writer and peace campaigner served as a nurse in France. Her early pro-war views changed following the loss of her brother, fiancé and two close friends.

The first black combat pilot. Bullard was an American who flew with the French Air Force. Later joined the French Resistance in World War Two.

Born in Essex, Cornwell joined the Royal Navy aged 15. He was fatally injured at Jutland but remained at his post. At 16, he was the third-youngest recipient of the Victoria Cross.

In charge of French forces at the First Battle of the Marne. Became supreme Allied commander in 1918.

French pilot, whose innovation allowed an aircraft's machine gun to fire through the propeller. His aircraft was later recovered intact by the Germans, who developed the interrupter gear device for their own aeroplanes. The Parisian tennis court at which the French Open is held is named in his honour.

Commander of British forces on the Western Front for most of war. Tactics resulting in heavy losses earned him post-war criticism.

Dutchwoman Margaretha Zelle became known as an exotic dancer in Paris before the war, and adopted the stage name Mata Hari. After becoming a courtesan, she was employed by both Germany and France as a spy. Despite her role for her adopted country, she was executed by France for spying in 1917.

In charge of Germany's armed forces from 1916. Became president before handing power to Adolf Hitler in 1933.

Became Secretary of State for War in 1914. Saw need to greatly expand the army; his face appeared on recruiting posters. Died en route to Russia in 1916 when his ship hit a mine.

'Lawrence of Arabia' was a British soldier who took part in the Arab Revolt against the Turks in the Middle East. His exploits in the desert became the subject of a touring show created by American journalist Lowell Thomas. Lawrence joined the RAF to escape his fame.

Effective Minister of Munitions. Became prime minister in December 1916. Keen to reduce casualties, he battled with Haig. Took a more conciliatory attitude than Britain's French allies towards Germany in peace negotiations.

Responsible for the Spring Offensive in 1918 – Germany's gamble to win the war.

Commander of American forces. Resisted pressure to incorporate US soldiers into Allied formations. Saw his forces make mistakes made earlier in the war by France and Britain, such as large frontal attacks, and the war ended before his true capability could be shown.

British Army officer awarded the Military Cross. Deemed to be suffering from 'a passing nervous shock' by a medical board after criticising conduct of the war. Wrote poems while in hospital which reflected his antiwar views.

Australian, known as 'the man with the donkey', with which he helped transport the wounded at Gallipoli, where he was killed in May 1915.

Germany's head of state, the Kaiser's support for Austria-Hungary was a key factor in the move towards war in 1914. Forced out of his position as emperor in November 1918.

Properly known as the Reverend Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy, this British chaplain was known for giving cigarettes to injured troops, hence his nickname. Awarded the Military Cross. Cigarettes were thrown onto his coffin in tribute.

US president, who, despite being elected on the slogan 'He Kept Us Out of The War', took his country into the conflict in 1917.

The one-time conscientious objector York earned the USA's Medal of Honor for attacking a machine-gun postion single-handedly in October 1918.