Ferry passengers learn more about the Isle of Wight’s wartime history
Seven University of Southampton History students have worked with Wightlink Ferries and Island historians to examine what happened on the Isle of Wight during World War II, then produced a display of their findings.
Matt Good, James Stroud, Lauren Hallum, Max Plummer, Jacob Templeman, James Young and Harry Jones travelled from Lymington to Yarmouth by ferry to talk to Islanders as part of their research into the subject. They produced several posters covering topics such as the undersea oil pipeline PLUTO, the evacuation of children from cities to the Island and the work of boat builders Saunders-Roe in East Cowes.
Seventy years after the end of the war in Europe (VE Day), the second year students displayed the fruits of work to interested customers and staff at Wightlink’s Lymington ticket office.
Derek Graham, Duty Port Operations Manager at Wightlink in Lymington was impressed with the historical insights: “I didn’t know the Island was so important to the war efforts, it was fascinating to learn more about what happened there and I’m sure our customers will be interested in the stories,” he says.
Wightlink Head of Marketing Mark Persad adds: “We were delighted to help these students with their project and pleased they were so interested in the history of the Isle of Wight.”
For more information contact Karen Woods 07775 694266 karenwoods@wightlink.co.uk
