From Country Lanes to Motorway: A Journey Revisited

The story follows a child's life during the Second World War and adolescence and teenage years in the 1950s and early 1960s, with freedom to roam and fanaticise without supervision and learning from real life experiences. It also includes working on the farm at fourteen, joining the army cadets at thirteen, and going to summer camp to fire blank bullets from a .303 rifle at your mates. However, it was also a time when waiting for your call-up papers at eighteen was routine and having to drop whatever you were doing to spend two years in the army, training as a real soldier in West Germany, or some other far away commonwealth outpost, and finally, to be demobbed as a disciplined but totally different person.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2024
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

A true story of life as a child during the Second World War and through adolescence and teenage years in the 1950s and early 1960s is a fascinating and often overlooked period of history. For parents, it was a time of worry and fear, as they watched their children grow up in a world filled with uncertainty and danger. However, for children, it was a time of excitement and adventure, with the freedom to roam and fanaticize without supervision and learn from real-life experiences. Near misses that today would be considered unbelievably neglectful and dangerous were commonplace, and children were often put in dangerous situations.

One of the most significant aspects of this period was the opportunity to work on the farm at fourteen. This was a time when many families were struggling to make ends meet, and children were often expected to contribute to the family's income. Working on the farm taught children valuable skills such as hard work, discipline, and teamwork, and it also helped to build a sense of community and belonging.

Joining the army cadets at thirteen was another popular activity for children during this time. The cadets provided training in military skills, and many children went on to serve in the armed forces during the Second World War. Going to summer camp to fire blank bullets from a .303 rifle at your mates was also a fun and exciting experience, and it helped to develop skills such as marksmanship and teamwork.

However, there were also negative aspects to this period. Waiting for your call-up papers at eighteen was routine, and then having to drop whatever you were doing to spend two years in the army, training as a real soldier in West Germany or some other far-away commonwealth outpost, and finally, to be demobbed as a disciplined but totally different person was a difficult experience. All indications that at the time, you did what was required of you without fear or favour.

Despite these challenges, the Second World War and the 1950s and early 1960s were a time of great change and progress. The world was changing rapidly, and children were at the forefront of this change. They were exposed to new technologies, new ideas, and new ways of thinking, and they were able to shape the world in their own way.

One of the most significant changes that occurred during this period was the rise of consumerism. Children were exposed to a wide range of products and services, and they were encouraged to consume them. This led to a culture of materialism and consumerism that has continued to this day. However, it also led to a sense of entitlement and a lack of appreciation for the value of hard work and discipline.

Another significant change that occurred during this period was the rise of feminism. Women were increasingly recognized as equal to men, and they were given the opportunity to pursue careers and education. This led to a greater sense of empowerment and independence for women, and it also helped to break down gender stereotypes.

However, there were also negative aspects to the rise of feminism. Women were often subjected to discrimination and harassment, and they were not always given the same opportunities as men. This led to a backlash against feminism, and it has continued to this day.

In conclusion, the Second World War and the 1950s and early 1960s were a time of great change and progress for children. They were exposed to new technologies, new ideas, and new ways of thinking, and they were able to shape the world in their own way. However, they were also a time of worry and fear for parents, and they were a time of negative aspects such as consumerism and feminism. Despite these challenges, the Second World War and the 1950s and early 1960s were a time of great change and progress, and they have left a lasting impact on the world.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 215 x 137 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781805144632