The extraordinary story of army chaplain Fred Stallard, who was interned in the Far East during World War Two, will be explored at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) as part of a season that also marks the anniversaries of both VE and VJ Day.
As part of a series of exhibitions held between 3rd May and 16th November this year, Prisoners of War – A Chaplain’s Portraits will delve into the life and work of army chaplain Fred Stallard who, using basic materials, produced portraits that captured his wartime experience as a prisoner of war.
Fred Stallard’s grandsons, Ben and Charlie, are also expected to give a presentation about their grandfather as part of the NMA’s Speaker Talk: A Chaplain’s Portraits – The Story Behind the Artwork session, held on 20th August. They will share the remarkable story of 90 portraits created by their grandfather and reveal how they joined forces to research and identify the individuals in the portraits, successfully tracing them back to over 60 families.
2025 exhibitions at the National Memorial Arboretum
Among the exhibitions offered by the NMA this season, Through Their Eyes: 80 Years On, produced by the Royal British Legion, will explore the powerful stories and photographs that honour the service, sacrifice, lives and legacy of those who served during World War Two.
The NMA’s 2025 programme also contains VE Day Street Party at Cherry Tree Road and Letters from the Frontline. The former is an immersive exhibition that will whisk visitors back in time to 8th May 1945, where the residents of Cherry Tree Road are getting ready to celebrate together on VE Day; whilst the latter will give a voice to wartime letters shared by BBC Radio listeners. This exhibition charts the journey from trepidation to jubilation in the final months of war.
Dr Alexander Smith and Professor Maggie Andrews are also expected to headline a series of talks held by the NMA in June and July.
In a session entitled ‘Last Op’: Addiction, Trauma, and the Hidden Legacy of World War Two, Dr Smith will interrogate one of the last great taboos of World War Two: the troubled legacy of addiction, mental illness and undiagnosed PTSD on veterans and their families.
Meanwhile, author Professor Maggie Andrews will explore the lives and activities of ordinary people on the home front in the long summer of 1945. This pivotal point in history filled with joy and celebration came with a sense of trepidation as the slow transition from war, to rebuilding a peaceful and prosperous life began.
In August, the Arboretum commemorates the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (or VJ Day), which marks the end of Word War Two.
As part of its celebration, the NMA is hosting a range of talks, tours and exhibitions. On 15th August, a special service will be held at the Arboretum to honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the war, acknowledging both the jubilation of victory and the solemn remembrance of those who never returned.
The NMA offers a pre-booking discount for groups on many of its events.
For more information about what’s on at the National Memorial Arboretum this year, visit thenma.org.uk
