The heroism of millions of Britain's First World War servicemen, from ordinary foot-soldiers to actors and future prime ministers, is disclosed on the internet for the first time from today.

The exploits of famous names such as Harold Macmillan and Anthony Eden, who would both survive the battlefield to lead their country, as well as Noel Coward and Harry Patch, the last remaining "Tommy", are among the stories published online.

The records of 5.5 million troops awarded medals between 1914 and 1922 - the most comprehensive Great War collection in existence - are being released by the website, Ancestry.co.uk.