Wartime Summer: True Stories of Love, Life and Loss on the British Home Front

During the 1940s, British families made the best of their paralyzed country by taking summer holidays, despite war rationing and closed beaches. Evacuated children had freedom to wander, discover wildlife, forage, and swim, while country estates were requisitioned for war efforts. Dances attracted people from all walks of life, but the shadow of war was never far away. Caroline Taggart's book reveals how Britons kept up spirits in spite of the constant devastation of battle, with first-hand reminiscences from people who lived through those six long years.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2020
Publisher: John Blake Publishing Ltd

Summer holidays are often taken for granted, but in the 1940s, the situation was quite different. Britain was gripped by war, with waves of bombs falling and beaches closed off. The question of whether journeys were truly necessary loomed large, rationing petrol and creating a sense of forbidding uncertainty. Despite the war, the summer days seemed to stretch on forever, with double summer time adding to the sense of elongated time.

However, British families refused to let the war hinder their enjoyment of the summer. They made the most of their paralyzed country, finding ways to make the best of the circumstances. For evacuated children, this meant a newfound freedom and adventure. They were allowed to roam at will, exploring fields, ponds, orchards, and hedgerows for food and swimming in streams. It was a world unlike anything they had experienced before, and they relished every moment of it.

Elsewhere, country estates were requisitioned for war efforts, tennis courts were converted into training grounds, and the Lord and Lady of the manor were forced to leave their homes. Dances became a way for people from all walks of life to come together and celebrate, from ballroom dances to the excitement of the arrival of the GIs and the jitterbug. The atmosphere was filled with music, laughter, and a sense of resilience in the face of adversity.

Despite the cheerful facade, the shadow of war was never far away. The evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940 and the D-Day Landings in 1944 both occurred in June, with unreliable summer weather playing a part in both. However, British soldiers continued to soldier on, doing their best to overcome the challenges and hardships they faced.

In her book, Caroline Taggart delves into the experiences of Britons during these six long years of war. Through a collection of first-hand reminiscences, she reveals the resilience and determination of the British people as they faced the constant devastation of battle. The stories are touching, tragic, and occasionally hilarious, showcasing the British soldiering on as best they could. The book provides a unique insight into a period of history that is often overlooked, offering a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals who lived through extraordinary times.

Weight: 260g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789461244