Exhibition explores forgotten wartime wrecks

Cullompton services is currently home to a fascinating exhibition which looks to raise the profile of under-represented aspects of the First World War.

The temporary display, which runs until December 18th, offers a great chance to view recovered artefacts and learn about some of the lesser-known, but compelling, stories of the Great War.

Over 700 wartime wrecks are known to lie off the south coast of England. These include largely forgotten ships and craft of all shapes and sizes, which were carrying out a myriad of different tasks and activities when they were lost.

The great variety of incidents, often resulting in lives lost, range from severe enemy attacks, to misfortunes caused by bad weather and communication. Among the profiled events which took place in proximity of Devon, there are accounts of a torpedoed hospital ship, the survivors of which found refuge in Devon, as well as a deceptive merchant ship which held a hidden secret.

Through the Heritage Lottery Funded 'Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War' project, the Maritime Archaeology Trust are revealing moving accounts of bravery and sacrifice surrounding these sites. The four-year project aims to bring together personal and family information, while utilizing artefact records with historic and archaeological research to uncover the stories of our shores.

Catch the exhibition while it lasts, at Cullompton services on the M5 (Junction 28): Old Station Yard, Old Station Road, Cullompton, EX15 1NS

For more information about the project visit http://forgottenwrecks.org/