Truronians suffered the effects of many wars. Loyalties were divided during the English Civil Wars (1642–1648) some being on the side of parliament while others melted their silver to help pay for the King’s armies.

A popular and famous Naval son was Admiral Edward ‘Old Dreadnought’ Boscawen. His nickname was’ Old Dreadnought’ known as a man of outstanding courage, he had a distinguished career during the Seven Year War.

Truro’s heroes included Admiral Sir Edward Pellew and General Sir Richard Hussey Vivian, both educated at Truro Grammar School. Both men played important roles in defeating Napoleon (1793–1815) along with Truronians who, with other troops, were housed in Barracks, near today’s Barrack Lane.
The Boer War (1899–1902) was a source of controversy in Truro. Truro men who volunteered to fight were promised the ‘Freedom of the City’ on their return.

However, at the end of the war, the City Fathers only gave the honour to Major General Reginald Carew Pole. A plaque listing the other men can be seen on the stairway of Truro City Hall and in the Memorial Chapel in Truro Cathedral.

The Memorial on Boscawen Street was originally a testimony to Truronians killed in the First World War (1914–1918).

During WW1 The Truro Union workhouse became the Royal Naval Auxiliary Hospital, run by volunteers and the Red Cross.

The images to the right depict Admiral Boscawen and the Union Workhouse transformed into the Royal Navy Auxilliary Hospital.

Click below to listen to Mary Carter & Jennifer Hicks as they recall a traumatic WW2 Bomber shooting on Trelander estate.

Later conflicts have included Korea, the Falklands and the Gulf Wars, with Truro’s brave citizens still giving their lives for their country.

Olaf Schmid

Born on 11th June 1979 at Treliske Hospital, Truro, Olaf Schmid spent his early years at The Peacock Cottage Hotel & Restaurant with his Swedish father Hans-Joerg, German mother Barbara, and younger brother Torben. He attended Polwhele House School from the age of ½ to 13 and then moved onto Penair School, Truro.

Whilst at Polwhele House School, he was a chorister, then Head Chorister for his final year. He was a keen rugby player and enjoyed any outdoor pursuit. He left school at the age of 16, and joined the army where he began his career in the RLC Catering Corp. He soon realised that this was not challenging enough for him and whilst on tour in Northern Ireland, he made his decision to apply for Bomb Disposal.

He was accepted and began his training as an Ammunition Technician, and later as a High Threat Ammunition Technician. During his 2nd tour inAfghanistan, he made safe 64 IEDs, and was killed on 31st October 2009 dealing with the 65th.
He was recently awarded the Posthumous George Cross for his countless acts of selfless bravery whilst in Afghanistan. During other tours in his career, he gained medals for his work in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, Former Yugoslavia and Kosovo.

The image to the right is of Olaf Schmid