Abingdon is at "war" for the next six months.
An exhibition called Thames at War opens on Saturday at the town museum in the Old County Hall and runs until October. It focuses on the impact of the Second World War on the Abingdon area.
On display are uniforms and personal letters and medals from key personnel like former MP Sir Ralph Glyn, who set up the Upper Thames Patrol to safeguard the river should the Nazis invade.
The exhibition records the significant role of RAF Abingdon as an operational training unit and base for aircraft that dropped propaganda leaflets over Germany. Food rationing, protection measures should the Germans drop gas, tank production at the MG factory, boat building and the work of the Home Guard, fire service and police are also examined.
The exhibition also includes memories of local people, contributed by Abingdon Oral History Group and children evacuated from big cities.
Museum curator Cherry Gray said: "It is a fascinating glimpse into life during those terrible times. There are photographs, objects and memorabilia and also an exploration of the role of women, the work of the Thameside factories and the importance of the Upper Thames Patrol."
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