THE Post Office is staging special travelling displays in their branches to commemorate the First World War.

The exhibitions, which were launched at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, home of the iconic Chelsea pensioners, will travel the length and breadth of the country.

it will give visitors a better understanding of how the General Post Office fitted into the story of the Great War.

The display honours the Post Office Rifles who served with distinction and pays tribute to local communities whose bravery will never be forgotten – 75,000 GPO workers fought in the war and 8,500 were killed.

It will also remember the crucial role of women, who took over from absent fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons The Post Office Rifles fought at Ypres, the Somme and Passchendaele and were awarded 145 decorations for gallantry, including a Victoria Cross.

At least three more GPO employees who fought in other regiments were also awarded the VC.

Paula Vennells, chief executive of The Post Office, said: “This exhibition is a mark of our respect for those whose courage and sacrifice in the First World War changed the course of history.

“On the centenary of the First World War, we particularly wanted to remember the Post Office Rifles, who earned high praise and a prestigious place in British military history. About 1,800 of its soldiers were killed – and 4,500 injured – during the war.

“We’re proud to honour the fallen and their families this centenary. From the heroes of the Post Office Rifles to those who serve near and far today, their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Hilary Pilling, whose grandfather Walter Young fought with the Rifles and was awarded the Military Medal, said: “This display is about remembering individuals, such as my grandfather and millions of others – and the extraordinary sacrifices they made.

“It particularly helps the next generation understand the significance of what happened during the war.

• The Post Office Rifles’ Cemetery is just outside the village of Festubert, and contains the graves of only 26 identified POR men but has more than ten times as many unnamed tombstones dedicated simply to ‘A Soldier of the Great War’.