The Home Front By Maureen Hill 2005. Out Of Print New

 The Home Front by Maureen Hill , 2005. (Out Of Print New) 'As from eleven o'clock this morning, Britain is at war with Germany.' Neville Chamberlain's words, broadcast on radio on the third of September 1939, confirmed what many people had feared for days and some had seen as inevitable for months. As Chamberlain made his announcement, what was unappreciated by everyone was how long the conflict would last, and the degree to whic 'As from eleven o'clock this morning, Britain is at war with Germany.' Neville Chamberlain's words, broadcast on radio on the third of September 1939, confirmed what many people had feared for days and some had seen as inevitable for months. As Chamberlain made his announcement, what was unappreciated by everyone was how long the conflict would last, and the degree to which the mass of the British population would be required to fight their own battles to win the war.

Life for everyone in the country soon became one of unremitting toil. The demands of the war were everything. Men, women, children, the young and the old, all had to make a contribution to the 'war effort'. Virtually all manufacturing industry was given over to producing equipment for the war; almost nothing was produced for home consumption. By January 1940, food was in such short supply that the basics had to be rationed and a huge effort was put into producing more food at home, as everything imported from abroad risked the lives of the sailors transporting it.

Just a week after Chamberlain's broadcast, troops of the British Expeditionary Force embarked for France. These were well trained, but poorly equipped, regular and reserve soldiers, later to be joined by conscripts. For those 'back home' the trials of separation and the fears of the loss of their loved ones was the first impact of the war. But they, and the country, were also faced with the practical problem of a loss of manpower at the same time as having to increase production of armaments. This meant that the country had to call on that great, untapped source of labour - women. Eventually, the majority of the female population would be directed into some sort of 'war work'.

Children's home life was disrupted and disturbed as a consequence of the war. Evacuation was a precaution to avoid large-scale casualties from aerial bombardment. Initially, there was little bombing, but one year on from Chamberlain's announcement saw the beginning of the Blitz. Not for centuries had British civilians been so exposed to physical attack from an enemy. Britain itself became the front line and everyone in the country had a role to play in defending the country and its values. Hardcover, 96 pages Published by Parragon 2005) More Details... Original Title The Home Front ISBN13 9781445408491 Edition Language English