history students on Wightlink yarmouth route

The Isle of Wight’s wartime history shared with ferry passengers

This in froim Wightlink in their own words. Ed


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.

Findings shared with passengers
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.

Fascinating history
Derek Graham, Duty Port Operations Manager at Wightlink in Lymington was impressed with the historical insights said,

“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.”

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.”

Image: (L-R) James Stroud, Jacob Templeman, James Young, Max Plummer, Harry Jones, Matt Good with their display at Wightlink Lymington ticket office (Lauren Hallum was unable to be there)