War is a difficult subject but it’s one of the many things that has shaped Plymouth and made it the city it is today.
Although it brings destruction and life-changing situations, war is also a testament to how brave and resilient people can be, even in the toughest of circumstances.
Today we’ll be highlighting some of the men who received the Victoria Cross for their bravery in conflicts that took place during the 1800s. We’ll also highlight World War I, World War II and the Falklands War, and look at the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
From 2014-2018, Plymouth was one of many places in the UK that marked the centenary of World War I. Here’s a video made in 2018 when we unveiled commemorative slabs on the Hoe in honour of four men who were awarded the Victoria Cross for their bravery on both the Western and Eastern Fronts.
In 2013, the Museum and Art Gallery held an exhibition called ‘The Making of a Modern City’. It highlighted some of the key people and the ‘Plan for Plymouth’ that transformed Plymouth after World War II. The teacher’s notes for this exhibition can be found below. Although originally written for schools, they’re an interesting read for everyone.
You can also watch films on this subject on the BFI Player’s website, dating from 1950 and from 1951.
Plymouth History Festival 