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 numbersContinue reading “To a land of endless sunshine”
Tag Archives: historical fiction
Reaching for the sky
If you love watching old movies, you may well have seen that classic biopic about the incredible wartime exploits of fighter pilot, Douglas Bader. This 1956 film, entitled, Reach for the Sky, tells the story of how Bader, played by the wonderful Kenneth Moore, managed to succeed as a World War Two flying ace, despiteContinue 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 otherContinue 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 inContinue 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. The idea behind the WarContinue reading “Every penny counts”
Learning new skills…
Once most men of working age had enlisted into one of the armed forces at the beginning of World War 2, it was left to the women to fill the many thousands of vacancies. But then in 1941 conscription was extended to women – the National Service (No 2) Act was passed – applying toContinue 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.Continue reading “Leaving home…”
Life is nothing without books
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 being the ‘oldest dominion in the British Empire’. Right from the beginning of the war Canada helped byContinue 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. Back at home food rationingContinue 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 2Continue reading “World War 2 in Sussex“
Outset Publishing 