CODS, Crediton Operatic and Dramatic Society, 2018 October production will celebrate the contribution made by the citizens of Crediton and surrounding villages during the First World War. 

This will be done using words and music and has its roots in the Pennymoor Singers production of “The War To End All Wars”.

CODS will tell the story primarily through the eyes of those who were left behind in Crediton, and principally through the Setter family who sent nine sons off to the front line. 

However, CODS members are aware that many other families sent sons, and in some cases daughters, and they would like to include their stories as well. 

 CODS researchers are hoping that there will be many other photos of this period. Does your family have any such pictures tucked away in an old family album?  

Is there a story to tell behind each of the pictures? 

Perhaps you have diaries or copies of letters from the time?

CODS members are hoping to use the information given to them by the local community as much as possible within the show.

In addition, it is hoped that there will be an accompanying publication containing some of the information received.

The researchers are particularly seeking information about a District Nurse called Edith Appleton.

Edith left Crediton to become one of the “Roses of No Mans Land” at the front. These were the Red Cross nurses.

CODS have permission to use her own diaries that have now been saved online, but her family have no idea how she came to be a District Nurse in Crediton or where she was living when she was here in Crediton. 

Can you help with this or any other information?  CODS would be delighted to hear from you about this and if you have photographs and/or documents it could use or you think researchers would like to see.

If you are able to help please email: [email protected] . Alternatively, telephone on 01363 84642.

Researchers hope that the information from responses can be used in further articles and thanks prospective contributors.

Alan Quick