World War 1 - Llandudno Museum The Collections

WW1 Collection

World War 1, also known as the Great War, began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria. In 1918, new laws set by the government introduced food rationing. By the time the war was over, and the Allied Powers claimed victory, more than 16 million soldiers were dead. It is estimated that 37 million people were killed or injured in WW1.

A shortage of trained medical staff during World War 1 gave opportunities for women to take a wide range of crucial roles. In Conwy County Borough the Balmoral, Bodlondeb Castle, Red Court, Plas Tudno, Edward Malam Home in Deganwy, and Lady Forrester Home were used as convalescence homes.

German WW1 Helmet Plain

German WW1 Helmet Camouflage

WW1 Victory Medal – Back

Needlework Booklet – Back

WW1 Victory Medal – Front

Needlework Booklet – Front

World War 2 Artefacts

Following the invention of the long-range bomber during World War 2, the government estimated that up to 600,000 civilians might be killed in the first few months of a conflict. 1 September 1939, 1.5 million evacuees were sent to rural locations that were considered safe. Llandudno had proved itself logistically capable of hosting large numbers of troops during World War 1 and it was on the limit of German bombers’ flight range.

While soldiers battled, people on the home front rationed and recycled, to provide supplies for their soldiers in addition to keeping homes running and preparing for attacks and invasion on home soil. In January 1940, the British government re-introduced food rationing. By the end of 1940, Llandudno was home to over 4,000 Inland Revenue staff and their families, the Royal Artillery’s Coastal Gunnery School, US Army personnel, and evacuees of all types.