When the Second World War commenced on 1 September 1939, the people of
Cornwall rallied together in a way that they hadn't done since the Great
War of 1914-18. Young men in their thousands enlisted in the army while
older men joined the country's home defense force, the Home Guard. Women
took over the jobs of men and many helped charitable organizations and
other worthy causes by joining the Women's Voluntary Service. The Land
Army assisted with agricultural work, a service that was vitally needed
within the county.
Many RAF bases were set up in Cornwall, which proved essential for the
defense of the country and as stopping-off points during bombing raids
and other missions. Many evacuees from other parts of the country,
including London and nearby Plymouth, were welcomed to the county and
were looked after by local families. Thousands of American soldiers were
based in Cornwall before leaving for the shores of Northern France
during D-Day in June 1944. They received a warm welcome from the people
of the county and many invited them into their homes.
This book covers the people of Cornwall's contribution to the war
effort, from the commencement of the conflict in September 1939 to its
end in September 1945. It features many forgotten news stories of the
day and looks at the changes to civilians' everyday lives, entertainment
and the internment of aliens living within the area. Air raid shelters,
carrying a gas mask, rationing, the make-do-and-mend culture and the
collection of scrap metal all became a way of life.
Huge celebrations took place all over the county when the war came to an
end but many of the lives of the people living in Cornwall were changed
forever.
