Defending Island Britain in the Second World War: Documentary Sources

Description

Historically, one could argue that island nations were presented with a degree of comfort in being surrounded by water (especially so before the invention of flight and submarines); however, technological advances in the early part of the 20th century changed that completely. The advent of flight - and later, that of rocket-powered armaments - changed the way warfare was conducted. No longer did one need to travel on sea voyages to attack your enemies, for one could simply either drop bombs or send rockets into the very heartland of previously protected nations. Furthermore, the development of submarines ensured that island nations could be cut off from food supplies etc. more easily and with greater stealth than previously. As the threat of coastal invasion intensified in the United Kingdom, vulnerable zones were identified - particularly from The Wash to the Dorset coastline and parts of Eastern Scotland. Once identified, these coastlines and an inland area (sometimes stretching for a few miles) became regions of concern from the potential need for rapid evacuation, and plans were also identified to deny the enemy resources within these zones, should there be an invasion. These competing needs led to many meetings and potential plans for the rapid movement of people and documents/offices etc. Coastal defences were also erected and anti-aircraft measures enabled - some of which are still visible now more than 70 years later; there was much to do to protect these areas. Our close proximity to Europe - and the unfolding scale of conflict - also brought challenges of their own (especially following the fall of France and Norway). Airfields once in Allied hands were quickly manned with Axis aircraft and personnel - making it possible for them to attack a far greater area of the United Kingdom's countryside and towns. In amongst these challenges, the civilian and armed forces determined a path forward (some of the plans for which have never been documented). The following just scratches the surface of the ingenuity and bravery of many people and children.

David Rogers is a scientist by training, obtaining a doctorate in chemistry before working for a Fellow of the Royal Society for his post-doctorate. He went on to spend many years in British industry working for a multi-national company in both research and manufacturing departments inventing, developing or helping to manufacture a range of products. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Royal Photographic Society and of the British Institute of Professional Photography. He was a Visiting Professor in Business Psychology for three years and is now a Visiting Lecturer. He decided to transition to a career involving writing, consultancy and some teaching in 2004. Since that time, David has written or edited eight published books, mainly in the field of science/technology or wartime history. Married with two children, David has spent some of his spare time as a School Governor.

This is a well-researched book which will fill a gap in the history of the Second World War. It will be invaluable to those with an interest in the bureaucratic processes of preparing a country for war. * Army Rumour Service *