On Friday a free exhibition documenting the impact of the four-year long battle on communities in West Dunbartonshire went on display at Clydebank Museum and Art Gallery.

The exhibition titled ‘At War’ tells the stories of local soldiers who were decorated for their bravery and how local people and industries in the area were affected by the fighting.

It also highlights the contributions made by women through their work in the munitions factories, helping at home and for the work they carried out as nurses in the military field hospitals across Europe.

A collection of rare artefacts on loan from the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Museum, including a Drum Major’s mace owned by the 9th Battalion since before the First World War, are also on display along with a selection of memorial cups and trophies associated with the regiment.

At the outbreak of the First World War, the 1/9th (Reserve) Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders was West Dunbartonshire’s local Battalion and the exhibition explores the battalion’s role during the war, including their experiences at the Belgian city of Ypres in 1915.

Councillor Michelle McGinty, convener of educational services, said: “This exhibition will encourage people of all ages across West Dunbartonshire to recognise the impact the First World War had on Scotland and in particular our local communities.

“This is a great opportunity for our residents to remember the 100,000 Scots who lost their lives, or were left injured or disabled by the terrible conflict. The exhibition also remembers the families and communities who were forced to come to terms with the terrible consequences of the Great War.” Although the War was believed to be ‘the war to end all wars’, West Dunbartonshire’s resilience was tested again during the Second World War. The exhibition also hosts a display about the Clydebank Blitz on March 13 and 14, 1941, which focuses on the community’s resolve in the face of the heaviest Luftwaffe bombing suffered by any Scottish town during the Second World War.

Visitors will also be able to see a display called ‘For Our Freedom and Yours’, which tells the story of the 1st Polish Armoured Division, formed in Scotland in 1942, and features fascinating artefacts including uniforms and personal equipment relating to the Polish struggle for freedom.

Councillor John Mooney, depute convener of educational services, added: “I would encourage residents to visit the exhibition which will be a stark reminder of what life was like for people during the dark days of war.

“This exhibition not only remembers the Great War, it also remembers the many locals who were so badly affected by the Clydebank Blitz.” The At War exhibition is open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 4.30pm in Clydebank Town Hall, and runs until to Saturday, November 15.