Have just finished reading 'Essex at War' written by Frances Clamp. She is President of Brentwood Writers' Circle and this is her 15th book.
Frances has lived and worked in Essex for most of her life. Her career as a history
teacher has ensured an impressive knowledge of Essex, compounded by years of broadcasting weekly historical programmes on local radio.
The
devastation of World War II affected everyone. Children’s lessons were
regularly interrupted when the frightening air-raid siren sounded and Frances
has captured the atmosphere of the time, including many tales of bravery, defeats
and setbacks both at home and overseas.
When Germany
launched an unmanned flying bomb V1 nicknamed the Doodlebug in 1944, it was
particularly hated. People can still
remember listening for the engines to switch off, realising that there were
just seconds before the bombs plummeted to earth.
Appreciation
of the mighty Ford Motor company, Marconi, E K Cole and other Essex industry is recognised.
Frances pays homage to the bravery of the little boats and yachts sailing to
the aid of desperate airmen and sailors at Dunkirk.
When America entered the war in 1942, a new, different type of invasion entered the Essex countryside, when the GIs arrived in large numbers. On the
whole, they received a warm welcome from the authorities, and particularly the
women!
“Great
Britain is now a very different country from the one that went to war in 1939. The
old bomb-damaged sites have disappeared, as have most of the installations that
were erected to protect the Essex coastline. Essex men and women, both at home
and in the forces, bravely played their part in the war and their contribution
can be remembered with pride.” Buy this book via Amazon or, more quickly, pop into our best Essex city bookshop Foyles in Chelmsford or Waterstones in that same city.
ISBN 9781473860414
Pen & Sword Military Books
£12.99 UK
$24.95 US
ISBN 9781473860414
Pen & Sword Military Books
£12.99 UK
$24.95 US
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