NEXT year is the centenary of the start of the First World War.

In four years the global conflict cost more than 16 million people their lives and left an estimated 20 million injured.

Its repercussions – on international relations, politics and the psyche of those involved – were profound and farreaching and resonate across the world even today.

Put simply, it changed the world forever.

Without the First World War, there may never have been a second; Hitler might never have risen to power and the allied powers may not have tried to appease him once he had.

The conflict led to the formation of the League of Nations – the forerunner of the United Nations and the first organisation to be created with the goal of maintaining world peace.

Closer to home the Great War had a massive impact on society in Britain and the other countries involved.

Its effects reached into all areas of life, from class identity to the emancipation of women.

On an even more individual level, it was the most deadly war in history.

Every person was affected by it and everyone lost someone in their family, a friend or someone they knew in their community.

Next year people across the country will mark the 100 years since war broke out on July 28, 1914.

Salisbury & South Wilts Museum is preparing for a major three-month exhibition, which will open in October 2014, and is asking for the public’s help in collecting stories and objects.

The exhibition will explore how families and communities at home were affected by the war and reflect on Wiltshire’s central role in preparing tens of thousands of soldiers for the battle.

In the late summer of 1914 the people of Salisbury and surrounding villages found themselves at the heart of Britain’s response to the outbreak of global conflict.

Salisbury Plain was the British Army’s major training ground and troops descended on the county from across Britain and the empire.

Museum exhibitions officer Kim Chittick said: “The stories of men, women and children on the home front and the impact of the Great War on Wiltshire will be the focus of our exhibition.

“We want to hear about the nurses, land army girls and the men who stayed in their jobs.

“While the generation that fought the ‘war to end all wars’ may have gone, their stories can still be told through people’s diaries, letters, photos and mementos.”

The museum will also be producing online resources for teachers plus guided sessions for schools.

They will also be teaming up with Salisbury Cathedral for a special education project.

There will be family events held and a programme of guided walks and lectures.

Those who have a story to tell or own an object they would be willing to loan to the museum are being invited to an open day on Saturday, September 14 from 11am to 3pm.

For further information about the exhibition, contact Mrs Chittick on 01722 332151 or email kimchittick@salisburymuseum.org.uk.

Items that are too large to be brought to the open day can be photographed and emailed.