British Internment and the Internment of Britons: Second World War Camps, History and Heritage

This edited volume discusses and analyzes civilian "enemy alien internment" in Britain, the internment of British civilians on the continent, and civilian internment camps run by the British in the wider British Empire. It brings together interdisciplinary specialists to provide a comprehensive overview of the topic internationally, with a focus on the British experiences. The research offers updated statistics for the camps and considers the period between 1945 and the present day through related site heritage issues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This edited volume presents a comprehensive and cutting-edge discussion and analysis of civilian 'enemy alien internment in Britain, the internment of British civilians on the continent, and civilian internment camps run by the British within the broader British Empire. The book brings together a diverse range of interdisciplinary specialists, including archaeologists, historians, and heritage practitioners, to provide a comprehensive overview of internment practices across the globe.

While there has been substantial research on the internment of continental Europeans in Britain during the Second World War, relatively little attention has been paid to the experiences of interned Britons on the continent. Similarly, there are limited accounts of the internment regime in British Dominions, where British guards presided over the camps. This collection is groundbreaking in its attempt to bring together the British experiences as a common theme in a single study.

Furthermore, the new research presented in this collection offers updated statistics for the internment camps, while also considering the period between 1945 and the present day through related site heritage issues. By examining these historical contexts, the book sheds light on the enduring legacies of internment and its impact on individuals, communities, and nations.

The editors of this volume have done an excellent job in assembling a team of experts who bring their respective areas of expertise to bear on the topic of internment. The chapters are well-written, informative, and engaging, making it accessible to a wide audience, including scholars, students, and the general public.

One of the key strengths of this collection is its interdisciplinary approach, which allows for a holistic understanding of the internment experience. The chapters explore various aspects of internment, including its historical context, legal framework, social and cultural consequences, and the experiences of individual interned individuals. This multi-faceted approach provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the complexities of internment and its impact on society.

Another notable aspect of this collection is its focus on the experiences of women and children during internment. While the experiences of male interned individuals have been well-documented, the experiences of women and children have often been overlooked or marginalized. The chapters in this collection provide valuable insights into the experiences of these groups, highlighting the unique challenges they faced and the ways in which they resisted and survived internment.

The book also includes a number of case studies that provide concrete examples of internment camps and their operations. These case studies offer a deeper understanding of the experiences of individual interned individuals and their communities, and they serve as a reminder of the human cost of internment.

In conclusion, this edited volume is a valuable contribution to the field of internment studies. It presents a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of civilian 'enemy alien internment in Britain, the internment of British civilians on the continent, and civilian internment camps run by the British within the broader British Empire. The book brings together a diverse range of experts and offers updated statistics and case studies that shed light on the enduring legacies of internment and its impact on individuals, communities, and nations. This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in history, social justice, and human rights.

Weight: 628g
Dimension: 240 x 162 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350266254