Event Type: Branch

Takes Place: 10th November 2026

Time: 7.00 p.m.

Venue: Lecture Theatre, Roland Levinsky Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA

Description: At the outbreak of war in August 1914 the Devonshire Regiment comprised two regular battalions a 3rd, Special Reserve, battalion and four part-time Territorial Force battalions. By 1917 the regiment had expanded to sixteen battalions strong and its soldiers fought not only on the Western Front but in Italy, Salonika, Mesopotamia and the Holy Land. Amongst its honours was the award of the French Croix de Guerre to the 2nd battalion and the Victoria Cross to two soldiers. The presentation will consider the role of the regiment’s battalions in some major engagements including the retreat from Mons 1914, Loos 1915, the Somme 1916 and the German offensive of 1918.

How to book: Eventbrite (details later)

Price: Free for national and local members of the HA and for Plymouth University students, Visitors £6.00, concessions £4.00

Tel: 01752 843750

Email: a.cousins345@btinternet.com

Website: www.ha-plymouth.org.uk/

Organiser: Alan Cousins

Lecturer: Dr Tony Rea, local historian

Comments: Dr Tony Rea has long-standing interests in the First World War and local history, and has written a number of books, including South Devon in the Great War.

Region: South-West England

Branch: Plymouth