The unheard message of the First World War is spreading throughout Newham.
A free public exhibition showcasing the experiences of East Londoners held in German internment camps is being held on 29 July from 5.30pm at the historic King Edward II pub in Stratford.
Simon Buck, project worker with Eastside Community Heritage said: “For the German experiences during WW1 to be ignored for so long is a shame.
“The project so far has had unbelievable success as people relate to local history.”
Focus resides on Stratford’s first German internment camp previously located on Carpenters Road, which housed more than 1000 German men during the war.
An abstract film screening of anti-German riots that took place in WW1 is planned to go ahead as well as audio recordings and a display of what the prisoners made in such dire conditions.
“Disease was rife, with many contracting typhoid fever and TB, which isn’t really a surprise when you consider how many people were living in poor conditions in such confined quarters,” he added.
Following the exhibition at the King Edward II pub another is taking place for a week from 30 July at Stratford library during usual library hours.
Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, which funds the project, said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching and shaping every corner of the UK and beyond.”
“The conflict didn’t affect everyone in the same way and this fascinating project has uncovered some fascinating and thought-provoking stories about what life was like for an often forgotten aspect – the German community in wartime London.”
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