Merseyside played a unique role during the Second World War, which
directly led to the area being a major enemy target in an attempt to put
the port completely out of action. Consequently, Merseyside became the
most heavily bombed area outside of the capital. Despite the
considerable damage, the campaign failed, and the port continued as a
centre of operations for Western Approaches Command, controlling the
safe passage of supply convoys into the Mersey, providing an essential
lifeline to the success of the war effort.
Rare insights into the life of war-torn Merseyside are included, along
with untold stories from those who witnessed the events first hand,
including the Blitz, the defense of the port, and the grim conditions in
one of the largest prisoner of war and internment camps in the country
in Huyton.
A broad spectrum of life on the Home Front is recounted through
memories, newspaper stories and personal memoirs to bear witness to the
profound trials of courage and fortitude of ordinary people enduring
this desperate struggle to survive the war years. This fraught
resilience was not always a united front, and controversial topics are
also studied, such as conscientious objectors, racism, strike action,
and crime, plus the issue of the Spirit of the Blitz - was it a myth or
reality?
This book therefore is an attempt to cover the full period of the war on
the Home Front, in all its aspects, from the day war was declared, to
the wild celebrations on the streets at the cessation of hostilities,
plus the immediate post war problems.
