Lecture: South Devon & the Great War by Tony Rea

Tony Rea’s book South Devon in the Great War (published 2016) provides the first definitive history of events in this part of Devon during the First World War. In this lecture he will reveal how the region, far from being a mere agricultural backwater, underwent significant transformation during the conflict. By late 1915 many of the young men and almost all of the horses had gone to war, leaving older men and women to farm the land, aided by German PoWs. Dartmoor Gaol became home to hundreds of Conscientious Objectors put to work in the quarries, while country houses were converted to hospitals and convalescent homes.

Tony is a writer of history, short stories, and historical fiction, and he is currently working with Sapere Books on a series of Second World War action novels featuring RAF pilot Gus ‘Bouncer’ Beaumont. A local councillor and volunteer with IvyFridge community project, he enjoys sailing, walking on Dartmoor and tending his allotment.

This event is part of the Devon Rural Archive‘s 2026 lecture series. Please follow the signs to the Cafe and Archive upon arrival.