The story of Plymouth in the First World War has never been fully covered although the town played a key role in the deployment of troops to Northern Europe as well as supplying ships and vital munitions. By August 1914, the British War office had moved 120,000 men into the town. Plymouth became the principal base for military operations and was one of the most important of the southern shipping ports.

The town also played a vital role caring for the many wounded soldiers who returned home from the front.

The effect of the war on Plymouth was great. By the end of the conflict, there wasn't a family in Plymouth who hadn't lost a son, father, nephew, uncle or brother. There were tremendous celebrations in the streets as the end of the war was announced but the effects of the war lasted for years to come.