In 1939, North Northumberland shared a proud tradition of military
service with it's wider region and this was reflected in the huge
numbers of men and women from the area who came forward for service in
the military or in roles such as the Home Guard, ARP services or
nursing.
This part of Northumberland was a key recruitment centre for the local
county regiment, the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, with men from the
area being heavily involved in the fighting during the blitzkrieg of
France and the Low Countries, the miracle of Dunkirk, as well as many
more battles. Yet, to the dismay of many, an entire territorial
battalion was taken prisoner at Singapore.
This district was also vital as a training area, with the wide and
relatively uncluttered skies being widely used for the training of
aircrew, one airfield played a key role in the build up to D-Day.
In addition to combat and training, this area was also rich with fertile
land and so played a crucial role in the war effort as it supplied food
to its own communities and wider Britain.
Many communities in the area welcomed evacuees from urban Tyneside
whilst also welcoming servicemen (especially from the RAF) into their
homes. Others saw the business opportunities and this book includes
accounts of the struggle that many families faced in coping with rising
wartime prices, longer working hours and endless worry.
Despite the hardships the people of North Northumberland undertook, they
all bundled together, and continued to provide incredible charitable
support right up until the end of the war in addition to their normal
efforts.
They managed to maintain their morale throughout the majority of the war
despite rationing, blackout and wartime restrictions.
North Northumberland at War 1939-1945 poignantly commemorates the
efforts and achievements of Northumberland's northern communities:
farmers, fighters, families divided, all surviving astounding feats.
