My research into family life during the Second World War keeps throwing up surprises. We have often heard about the evacuation of children from the cities to the countryside, and then later from the coast to inland safe havens, when coastal areas came under enemy attack. But recently I came across information detailing the numbersContinueContinue reading “To a land of endless sunshine”
Tag Archives: historical fiction
Reaching for the sky
Squadron Leader N G Pedley, the CO of No. 131 Squadron RAF, about to set out on a sweep in his Supermarine Spitfire Mk VB from Merston, a satellite airfield of Tangmere in Sussex, June 1942. If you love watching old movies, you may well have seen that classic biopic about the incredible wartime exploitsContinueContinue reading “Reaching for the sky”
Keeping the spirits up
Much has been said about the extent to which music lifts the spirits. It was Friedrich Nietzsche who said: ‘Without music, life would be a mistake’Friedrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols And I for one wholeheartedly agree! So, seeing this picture of a group of women carpenters from World War 2 using saws and other implementsContinueContinue reading “Keeping the spirits up”
Licence? What licence?!
When young men joined the armed forces at the beginning of World War 2 there were fewer than three million cars on British roads – compared with some forty million today! By the 1930s horse-drawn vehicles had given way to the motor car. Motor cars now offered their drivers the chance to speed, resulting inContinueContinue reading “Licence? What licence?!”
Every penny counts
It was strange to see HM The King mentioned on this World War Two poster. Having had a Queen reigning over us for the last seventy years having a female head of state seems ingrained in our way of thinking, from the National Anthem to our stamps, coins and banknotes. Poster issued by the BritishContinueContinue reading “Every penny counts”
Learning new skills…
The Auxiliary Territorial Service in Britain during the Second World WarA voluntary domestic science course for service women based in the London area, organised by the London District of the Army Education Scheme, with the co-operation of the London County Council, at Avondale Park School, Notting Hill Gate, London. In this picture the Chief InstructorContinueContinue reading “Learning new skills…”
Leaving home…
One of the saddest aspects of life for families during World War 2 must surely have been when little children had to be evacuated to towns and villages far from home. Of course, it was all done with good intention – to protect their lives from the enemy bombing that threatened larger towns and cities.ContinueContinue reading “Leaving home…”
Life is nothing without books
A corner in the library, Canadian Soldiers College, Seaford, Sussex, England – NARA – American Library Association As I continue to research life in Hastings during World War 2 I’m discovering such a fascinating mixture of happy and sad. It was clear that the link between Canada and Great Britain was strong – Canada beingContinueContinue reading “Life is nothing without books”
Sharing is caring
Here’s evidence of the most amazing camaraderie that existed during the war years. When food rations were tight and chocolate would have been the most special treat – imagine the generosity of a British soldier who gave his chocolate ration to a Dutch civilian during the liberation of the Netherlands. Chocolate from British military rationsContinueContinue reading “Sharing is caring”
World War 2 in Sussex
Isabella Muir, well-known for her love of 1960s crime and mystery, is now dipping her toe into another fascinating period of history. Several of Isabella’s novels include chapters that hark back to World War 2, exploring the back story of some of her key characters. Three of her novellas are set during World War 2ContinueContinue reading “World War 2 in Sussex“
Outset Publishing 