TODAY marks 100 years since the world was plunged into the horror of the First World War.

In the Daily Echo, we are marking the anniversary by telling the stories of people from our area who lost their lives and those who lived through the conflict.

The Echo’s commemorative cover today shows images of just some of those from the area who fought in the great War.

They are Herbert Elsworth, who served in India with the Second Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment in 1911 and saw action in Mesopotamia – now Iraq – however he died of dysentery on July 16, 1916, aged 29.

Joseph Cox, from Somerton in Somerset, joined the 11th Cheshire Regiment. It was one of various regiments billeted in Bournemouth during the war.

Athelstan George, from Westbourne, joined the 1st Dorset Regiment in Belfast. In April 1914 Lt George gained his Aero Certificate to fly a Bristol Biplane.

William Wellman, from Poole, joined the army in June 1914, aged 17. He survived the war, but died early in the Second World War.

Alfred Barrett, from Moordown, served in the Royal Engineers and was killed in action in June 1916, aged 40.

Walter Bailey served with the Hampshire Regiment in First World War. He was educated at Bournemouth School, going to the front in 1915.

Walter John Read served in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry and was killed in August 1917.

Reginald Seth Lockyer was a driver in the Royal Army Service Corps. He was killed in July 1915.

Roland Henry Peck, from Moordown, was a member of the Royal Flying Corps, the forerunner of the RAF. He died in March 1916.

John Reginald Turner, as part of the 1st Dorsetshire Regiment, took part in the first major action of the British Expeditionary Force at the Battle of Mons. He saw further action at the Battle of the Marne.

William Henry Birch, from Poole, served in the Army Veterinary Corps.

Albert William Clapp, from Branksome, served in the Royal Navy.

Robert Henry Parke survived the war and was the oldest resident of Lytchett Matravers when he died aged 96 in 1978.

Edwin Elsworth, stepbrother of Herbert Elsworth, with his brother Frederick volunteered to fight for his country, joining the Dorset Yeomanry and going to Egypt together – although Frederick was under age.