Wartime

First World War

Between 1915 and the end of the War an old explosives factory at Perranporth, was re-opened as a munitions factory. It employed largely women and at it’s peak employed over a thousand women and about fifty men and boys. Some buildings remain and various ruins can be seen.

Second World War

An airfield was built at Perranporth and used by Spitfires and Hurricanes. The army camp at Penhale also dates from this time. There were several units of the Home Guard based in the parish, together with a branch of the Secret Army.

The museum has an item recovered from a crashed Spitfire and information about the operation of the airfield. There are also photographs and other items of interest. Children were evacuated to Perranporth during the Second World War and many have visited the museum with their memories of that time.

American troops were based in Perranporth during the run up to the D-Day landings in 1944. This uniform was presented to Jacqueline Fewins who, at the age of 3, became a mascot for the US soldiers billeted next door to her house.