Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Throughout six years of conflict, beginning 3 September1939, military manoeuvres, bombs and exhortations to greater dedication to the War Effort became the normality for children. For the young, this was a time of great excitement. Imagine the thrill of Anderson Shelters built in back gardens, concrete blocks and barbed-wire sprouting on beaches, soldiers and tanks in the streets, the Battle of Britain and those spectacular dogfights, the Blitz and masses of shrapnel to collect, searchlights lighting up the night sky, American servicemen appearing and their inexhaustible supplies of chewing gum From Dunkirk to D-Day, through Doodlebugs to Victory, there was hardly a dull moment and remarkably little fear for children as they learned, collected and played under these bizarre circumstances.
Synopsis
Praise for the hardback published in 2009: A rich compilation of children s lives during the Second World War JULIET GARDINER, BBC WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE MAGAZINE.
Author has interviewed numerous British men and women for their childhood reminiscences of life in wartime.
Comprehensive coverage of the experience of children during the war, chapters include: Evacuation, The Battle of Britain and the Blitz; Occasions and Celebrations; Food; Education; Toys and Entertainment; Health and Medical Care; Daily Life in Wartime; Fear and Loss; D-Day, Doodlebugs; Victory and Homecoming; Aftermath.
Author grew up during the war years and adds great personal insight into life as a child during this period.
Well illustrated with 80 period photographs.
Throughout six years of conflict, beginning 3 September 1939, military maneuvers, bombs and exhortations to greater dedication to the War Effort became the normality for children. For the young, this was a time of great excitement. Imagine the thrill of Anderson Shelters built in back gardens, concrete blocks and barbed-wire sprouting on beaches, soldiers and tanks in the streets, the Battle of Britain and those spectacular dogfights, the Blitz and masses of shrapnel to collect, searchlights lighting up the night sky, American servicemen appearing and their inexhaustible supplies of chewing gum From Dunkirk to D-Day, through Doodlebugs to Victory, there was hardly a dull moment and remarkably little fear for children as they learned, collected and played under these bizarre circumstances."