Aliens: The Chequered History of Britain's Wartime Refugees

During the Second World War, Britain welcomed refugees from fascist Europe with fond nostalgia, but there was also suspicion, resentment, and fear towards them. Politicians hid behind bureaucratic hurdles and obfuscation, and half a million refugees were refused entry. 30,000 Jews were interned as enemy aliens, and others were sent off to the colonies on dangerous voyages. Paul Dowswell's book sheds a fresh eye on the wartime era, painting a vivid picture of life for Britain's refugees.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 10 August 2023
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

The warm reception extended to refugees fleeing fascist Europe is a cherished aspect of our collective memory, intertwined with images of evacuees holding teddy bears and milkmen navigating through bomb rubble during the Blitz. However, this narrative possesses a darker undercurrent. In the past, as in the present, there existed widespread suspicion, resentment, and fear towards newcomers, often fueled by the sensationalist media. Politicians, then as now, resorted to bureaucratic hurdles and obfuscation to avoid accommodating refugees. While many of the 10,000 Kindertransport children who arrived in the late 1930s have fond recollections of the kindness they received, half a million refugees were denied entry, tragically leading to their deaths. Those who managed to gain entry faced ongoing challenges. During the anxious period of 1940, when Britain anxiously anticipated an invasion, 30,000 Jews were interned as enemy aliens, with some being sent on perilous and sometimes fatal voyages to colonies. It is important to recognize that Jews were not the sole refugees seeking solace and support. Individuals fleeing fascism and civil war in other parts of Europe encountered varying responses, depending on the political affiliations and media outlets of the local communities they encountered.

In his insightful book, Paul Dowswell skillfully weaves personal testimonies with historical sources to provide a fresh perspective on the wartime era. Through his vivid portrayal, he sheds light on the realities faced by Britain's refugees, illuminating the complexities and hardships they endured during a challenging period in history. This book serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of the refugee experience and sheds light on the importance of compassion and empathy in times of crisis.

Weight: 498g
Dimension: 162 x 244 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785907937