Docklands at War 1939 - 1945 at Museum of London Docklands

Through sensitive and informative displays featuring film, artefacts, interactive touch screens, models and life-size reconstructions the visitor is given a full understanding of how the Second World War affected the Docklands area and communities, One of the Museums most treasured possessions is a flag that flew from the bow of one of the first landing crafts to reach France during the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944. It was found among the effects of George Sluman, who was coxswain of the craft, and donated to the Museum by his widow Joyce. George worked as a waterman before the war in the Port of London. Men with his expertise on the water were enlisted to support the massive allied assault upon fortress Europe on D-Day. Other exhibits explore the Port's role in the Dunkirk rescue and secret projects such as construction of the Maunsell Forts; Pipe Line Under The Ocean and the huge breakwaters for the Mulberry Harbours.