Description
Book SynopsisThe New Forest at War documents aspects of the social and military history of this unique area of Britain during the years of the Second World War. The Forest was on the front line of the massive build-up and launch of D-Day in June 1944. Although many parts of Britain contributed to the final assault, it was this part of Hampshire that was used as the primary assembly and departure point. There were over 100,000 troops under canvas and thousands of military vehicles parked in the quiet country lanes throughout the area. There were also many thousands of ships off the Forest coastline in the waters of the Solent. First published in 2004 this updated edition of The New Forest at War contains additional images and anecdotes which will add both to the reading experience and to visits to the Forest. This highly acclaimed book tells the story of the area during WW2 and its heritage, underpinned now by the New Forest National Park Authority which has implemented and hosts an area wide preservation scheme. The book contains many photographs with first-hand accounts of the Forest during WW2 with reminiscences from military sources as well as civilians. It provides a fascinating snapshot of life at this critical time in the nation's history and it will be of interest to everyone who visits, lives or works in the Forest and to all those with an interest in Britain's wartime heritage.
Trade Review"This book provides an interesting insight into the vital part that the New Forest played during the Second World War, alongside reminiscences and anecdotes from some of the people who lived, worked, served or were evacuated there, in those dark days of war. The book is peppered throughout with a great collection of photographs, painstakingly gathered by the author, depicting people and places, making The New Forest at War a fascinating read for anyone interested in this aspect of this country's social history." The Herald "Reminiscences of wartime are mixed with evocative descriptions of this beautiful corner of rural England ... John Leete writes with tremendous knowledge." Lifestyle Magazine "An excellent guide to the wartime history of The New Forest". New Forest Visitor Centre
Table of ContentsForeword by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu 4 Introduction by Dr Julian Lewis 6 1 The Dawn of War 8 2 Recollections of D-Day 38 3 We Did Our Bit 51 4 RAF Ibsley: Spitfire Days 58 5 Typhoon Tales 70 6 Pylewell's War Effort 77 7 The Secret Forest 90 8 The Beaulieu Estate at War 94 9 Exbury in Military Service 104 10 Waterside's War 114 11 Stoney Cross: Memories of a Teenager 124 12 Through the Eyes of the Children 131 13 Cake, Church & Cricket 148 14 Breamore:The Patton Connection 153 15 A Soldier Remembers 164 Epilogue:The Legacy Lives On 176
