A unique website that lists information about more than 12,000 soldiers with a Wiltshire connection who lost their lives in the First World War has been launched.

It is the culmination of 12 years of work by Hilmarton historian and author Richard Broadhead.

Called Wiltshire Soldiers, the website details the soldiers either from Wiltshire or who died in Wiltshire during the First World War.

Mr Broadhead, who has self-funded the website, said: “The website has never been done before. “Each of the fallen has a record page detailing their regiment, where they were born, their age, where they are buried or remembered, next of kin details, what war memorial in England they are on and which towns they are associated with.

“It allows, for the first time, to search by town, village or war memorial. “It will also allow you to be able to visit a war cemetery overseas and using a smart phone instantly find the casualties who fell from your village or town. “This is the first time this has been achieved in the country.”

The website – www.wiltshiresoldiers.co.uk – also contains details of more than 600 Australians, 250 Canadians, 150 New Zealanders, 20 Americans, 20 South Africans and one Russian, who are all buried in Wiltshire and who died during the First World War.

Registration to the website is free and held within the database are service records, letters, newspaper reports, war diaries and in some cases photographs of the men and their graves. All servicemen are covered from the army, navy and air force.

Mr Broadhead has written a number of books about the First World War focusing on Wiltshire towns.

His extensive research has also led to numerous soldiers’ graves being commemorated by the War Graves Commission.

The website was launched at the Yelde Hall, Chippenham, on Monday. Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott was among the guests and she praised Mr Broadhead’s efforts.

She said: “It if wasn’t for you and your passion for this we would not have this website. Your books are fantastic, I have all of them. “They are really, really important for people in our towns. “To me this (the website) is the modern version. This is an education tool and it’s global.”