Holyhead During the First World War

The project delivered a comprehensive examination of the involvement of Holyhead and its people during the First World War and the longer term effects it had. Over two thousand men and women from the town served on land, sea and air, with two hundred and eighty-eight losing their lives during the conflict. The museum wished to commemorate the town's involvement by drawing attention to events, actions, personal service and sacrifice of that time. The aim was to explain to the local community and visitors to the area about the significance of this period of history, thereby highlighting the part played by their forebears in forming outcomes and views that we hold today. The museum offered a varied programme of events and bilingual displays lasting from 2014 to 2018. The content changed each year to reflect the happenings of a century ago. Funded by other means, this included the reprinting of a book first issued in 1920 by a local journalist. ‘Holyhead and the Great War’ provided a detailed record of how the town had faced up to the rigours of war, the service and sacrifice of its people as well as the longer-term impacts. Priced at today’s equivalent of its original cost, the book was provided free to schools and other interested organisations. We also participated in commemorative wartime events where loss had significantly impacted upon families and the surrounding community. These included organising events associated with the sinking of four ships with local crews, lost due to the actions of war. The most significant of these was the loss of RMS Leinster in October 1918, where we received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for this specific element of the project. Work was also undertaken by volunteers to research all 288 individuals listed on the town's war memorial. Over fifty volunteers supported the Museum and the project, with a steering group comprising of nine individuals set up to manage various activities and events. We additionally benefited from contributions made by school and community group representatives.