A NEW exhibition is set to commemorate the the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War – centring on memories of Thurrock.

‘Remember World War II’ is a new exhibition researched and presented by the Thurrock Museum volunteers and will spend nearly three weeks on display at the Thameside Complex.

Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister, announced the declaration of war on September 3, 1939 and this exhibition is the first in a series which will commemorate major events and recognise the home front.

The exhibition features 40 living memories alongside family contributions from Thurrock, with some coming from people who were children at the time, and recall air raids, collecting shrapnel, and rationing.

Many children were evacuated from Thurrock and experienced vastly different lifestyles while they were away.

At home, a strong theme is air raids and bomb damage, which was primarily suffered in towns and along the rivers.

Contributions cover the armed forces, the men who went away to war, and people at home who volunteered in the civil defence.

Every memory and contribution has a Thurrock connection, with memories of the D-Day landings and the invasion of Italy.

A spokesperson from the Thurrock museum volunteers, said: “The intention of this project is to publish the memories and family contributions in a future book.”

The exhibition will be open from Monday, September 2 to Friday, September 20, closing at 11am on the final Friday.