An Overview

Lytham & St.Annes played a large role during the 1914-18 War. Hundreds of local men volunteered (500 from St.Annes alone during the Kitchener Recruitment Drive). During 1915-16 the area was used as a training centre for newly formed battalions and thousands of soldiers were billeted in the two towns. A large military hospital opened at the Clifton Park Racecourse site, Squires Gate, and there were Voluntary Aid Detachment hospitals at "Chaseside", St.Annes and "Starr Hills", Ansdell. There was also much fundraising for various wartime good causes. There were two large  munitions factories at Squires Gate and the East End of Lytham. In addition there were smaller factories set up in workshops and garages. Towards the end of the war a Flying Boat Factory opened at the East End of Lytham. Click on the links to the right for the history