Norfolk was truly a 'front-line county' during the Second World War. Its
men and women served in all branches of the forces, and, because of its
proximity to the Continent, the threat of invasion and the reality of
air raids affected everyone. This book uses archive evidence to look at
what life was like both for men serving overseas and for those at home.
Begining with the experiences of Norfolk men in the Norfolk Regiment in
France, Singapore and in the Far East, the book also examines those
serving in the Navy, Merchant Navy and the Air Force. The vital role
played by women, in the armed forces, the Women's Land Army, and many
other jobs, is explored. The book also looks at the daily life of
children and adults, the effects of food and clothes rationing, measures
taken to prepare the community in case of invasion, and life at school
in wartime.
Two important themes in wartime Norfolk, still remembered today by many
local people, are those of child evacuees and of the United States Army
Air force. Norfolk people experienced both sides of the evacuee
situation: many children came to the county from the London area, while
many children from the Norfolk coast were themselves evacuated to the
Midlands. The American presence in the county was a strong one, and has
left a rich archive of personal papers and photographs, which are now
held at the Norfolk Record Office, along with many diaries and letters
of Norfolk people. This book draws on this material and on the
reminiscences of those in the county during the war.
The book is beautifully illustrated with contemporary photographs, and
these enhance the enthralling story being told: of what life was like
during the Second World.
