The New Forest at War documents aspects of the social and military
history of this unique area of Britain during the years of the Second
World War.
The Forest was on the front line of the massive build-up and launch of
D-Day in June 1944. Although many parts of Britain contributed to the
final assault, it was this part of Hampshire that was used as the
primary assembly and departure point. There were over 100,000 troops
under canvas and thousands of military vehicles parked in the quiet
country lanes throughout the area. There were also many thousands of
ships off the Forest coastline in the waters of the Solent.
First published in 2004 this updated edition of The New Forest at War
contains additional images and anecdotes which will add both to the
reading experience and to visits to the Forest. This highly acclaimed
book tells the story of the area during WW2 and its heritage,
underpinned now by the New Forest National Park Authority which has
implemented and hosts an area wide preservation scheme.
The book contains many photographs with first-hand accounts of the
Forest during WW2 with reminiscences from military sources as well as
civilians. It provides a fascinating snapshot of life at this critical
time in the nation's history and it will be of interest to everyone who
visits, lives or works in the Forest and to all those with an interest
in Britain's wartime heritage.
