War Stories: Experiences of Women in the Second World War

David Bolton set out to record the wartime memories of British women before it was too late, interviewing child evacuees, single mothers, ambulance drivers, and codebreakers. The archives feature over fifty women's memories, supplemented by memoirs and diary entries, telling their personal war stories with honesty, humor, and detail.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 03 November 2022
Publisher: The History Press Ltd

After being deeply moved by his mother-in-law's recollections of her experiences during the Second World War, David Bolton embarked on a mission to preserve the wartime memories of British women before they faded into obscurity. His quest led him to interview a diverse group of women, each with their unique stories to share. Some were child evacuees who had been forced to leave their homes, others were single mothers who had bravely faced the challenges of raising children alone, while others were ambulance drivers who had risked their lives to transport wounded soldiers to safety. Additionally, he had the privilege of interviewing the girlfriend of an American GI who had lost his life on D-Day.

Among the women interviewed, there were also those who had worked in various roles during the war. Some had served as young doctors in POW camps, where they had tended to the sick and injured under challenging conditions. Others had worked in munitions factories, filling shells that would be used in the fight against the enemy. Still, others had been codebreakers at Bletchley Park, where they had played a crucial role in breaking enemy codes and aiding the Allied victory.

The War Stories archives, a remarkable collection of memories, features the voices of over fifty women who have shared their personal war stories in their own words. These accounts are supplemented by memoirs and diary entries, providing a deeper insight into the experiences of these remarkable women. What sets these stories apart is the honesty, humor, and incredible memory for detail that each woman possesses. They speak candidly about the challenges they faced, the sacrifices they made, and the resilience they displayed in the face of adversity.

What is particularly striking about these accounts is the boldness with which they are told. These women had the opportunity to describe their experiences for the first time, knowing that this was their last chance to do so. They were able to share their stories without fear of judgment or condemnation, and in doing so, they have left a lasting legacy for future generations.

The War Stories archives serve as a powerful reminder of the contributions that women made during the Second World War. It is a testament to their bravery, resilience, and determination in the face of adversity. These women's stories should be celebrated and remembered, as they continue to inspire us to honor the sacrifices made by those who have served our country in times of war.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 156 x 236 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780750999564