In Search of Heroes - Exmouth Museum and Heritage Centre registered charity 1216717

By: Exmouth Museum
Added: 16 October 2013

Next year sees the Centenary of the start of the First World War.

Many local men went to fight abroad, with everyone’s lives turned completely upside down. No town in Britain escaped the devastating effects of the War. We will be hosting a special exhibition on the subject when we re-open for the Season in April.

We are asking local people if they can provide a photograph of the men from their families who fought, in an attempt to connect the names on the war memorial to faces of local people.

Museum Press Officer Kim Roper explains “Sometimes history books can leave us feeling detached from actual events, we are trying to make the connection between the names of the War Memorial and the real faces and lives of the people involved.”

We are asking people to root out an old photograph of their loved ones who went to fight, let us have a copy either by post or email and if possible a short description of the person, where they fought, whether or not they came back safe and well, what they did before the war, and after, if they were given any medals, or even just their hobbies, a little bit about their personality. “In this way” says Kim “it will help us all to connect a little better with these men, and to remember and honour their bravery”.

The Museum is interested in everyone who fought, not just those who died.

The Museum is also offering to do a little research on each person whose photograph they receive, so even if you can only provide a photo and a name they can include them in the exhibition.

Photos cannot be returned so please only send copies, or scan them and email them for the attention of Kim Roper to exmouthmuseum@aol.com, or post to Exmouth Museum, Sheppards Row, Exmouth, EX8 1PW.