TAVISTOCK Peace Action Group has organised an exhibition considering the real cost of the Battle of the Somme.

The exhibition, entitled ‘The Challenging Road to Peace since the First World War’ takes place at St Stephen’s Church on Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2.

Rupert Gude of Tavistock Peace Action Group, who has organised the exhibition, said: ‘The first day of the Battle of the Somme saw 59,000 British casualties out of 120,000 men. One dead and two injured on every four feet of the front. This was a disaster by any standards and we must ensure that nothing like that ever happens again.’

The exhibition starts with descriptions of the slide into war, then moves on to cover enlistment, conscription and conscientious objection. It then examines the legacy of the First World War.

A timeline of the last century looks at wars that have happened since 1918, highlights the changes in international relations that have taken place through organisations like the UN, and studies international treaties that makes war less likely. 

It also highlights structures and attitudes that make war an ever recurring risk and asks what can be done to make a more peaceful world.

Exeter Quakers are supporting the exhibition. One of their members, Ghee Bowman, said: ‘We need to do more than just mark the centenary with poppies — this was a massive failure of humanity by humans and we need constant vigilance and education to ensure that it’s not forgotten.’

The exhibition runs from 10am to 5.30pm each day.