When the war breaks out in August 1914, most people are convinced it will only last a few months. ‘Home before Christmas’ is an often-heard slogan. By this British soldier's feet, you see a British tea set in a wicker basket. Not exactly an object you'd associate with war. But it perfectly illustrates the idea of the soldiers going to the front: “It will be a short adventure, afterwards we can have a cup of tea on the battlefield, and everyone will be home for Christmas”. Thousands of volunteers enthusiastically enlist. They see the war as one big adventure. But the picnic ends up being a horrible war, and from October 1914 a series of battles takes place on the ridge east of Ypres. British and French soldiers succeed in stopping the German march during the First Battle of Ypres. In that battle, it becomes clear that the 19th century way of warfare must be adapted. The glorious role of the cavalry has come to an end. They are replaced with machines, such as tanks and airplanes.