Event Type: Branch

Takes Place: 24th November 2026

Time: 7.00 p.m.

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

Description: The story of the World War II ‘friendly invasion’ of Britain is well known, but what about the precedent, that is, the arrival of the American Expeditionary Force over 1917-18? This talk explores the long-overlooked history of this ‘first friendly invasion’. It will reveal where in World War I Britain the US military was based, it will uncover the experiences of the invading doughboys, and it will explore how they were received by local communities across the land. The talk will conclude by considering some of the memorials and monuments left by this invasion and which can be found from the western isles of Scotland to the south coast of England.

How to book: Eventbrite

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 Sam Edwards, Loughborough University

Region: South-West England

Branch: Plymouth