Dear Old Blighty: Britain'S First World War Home Front

In the summer of 1914, Britain felt secure that the old order was firmly in place. However, this security was an illusion, as a war of unimaginable scale was just days away. The war would affect every level of British society, with the urgent need for a massive expansion of the armed forces drawing in ever-more men from civilian life. This in turn denuded the factories, shops, and farms of labor, leading to shortages of food, petrol, and clothing. Raids by German ships on coastal towns and air raids by Zeppelins and later aeroplanes also posed immediate dangers. 'Dear Old Blighty' by Mike Brown looks at the experience of civilians, men, women, and children in Britain throughout those four momentous years.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2018
Publisher: Sabrestorm Publishing

Britain, in the summer of 1914, basked in the illusion of a secure old order, buoyed by its mighty navy and expansive Empire. However, beneath the surface, a war of unprecedented magnitude loomed, ready to shatter the tranquility. The war would have far-reaching consequences, impacting every aspect of British society. The urgent demand for a massive expansion of the armed forces led to the recruitment of ever-more men from civilian life, leaving factories, shops, and farms devoid of labor. At a time when industry needed to expand to clothe and supply the military, and agriculture faced the challenge of meeting the food shortages caused by the U-boat assault on our merchant fleet, this labor shortage posed a significant obstacle. The armed forces had first priority for men, food, and materials, resulting in severe shortages affecting the civilian population. Women stepped in as replacement labor, taking on roles traditionally reserved for men in factories, transport, commerce, and agriculture. Food remained a persistent concern, leading to food queues and increasing government control, eventually culminating in rationing. Additionally, civilians faced shortages of petrol and clothing, resulting in petrol rationing, the introduction of gas-cars, and the adoption of 'standard cloth.' The immediate dangers were manifold, with German ships conducting raids on coastal towns and Zeppelins and later aeroplanes conducting air raids nationwide. In his book, "Dear Old Blighty," Mike Brown delves deep into the experiences of civilians, men, women, and children in Britain during those four momentous years.

Weight: 284g
Dimension: 243 x 171 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781220108