Lifestyle Magazine, April 2005: 'Reminisences of wartime are mixed with evocative descriptions of this beautiful corner of rural England ... John Leete writes with tremendous knowledge.'

The New Forest at War

History

Leete, John

Europe

Sutton

In the late 1930s the Fire Brigades Act brought into being the Auxiliary Fire Service—setting up a force that operated in parallel with regular firefighters. In the early stages of World War II, as the government realized the importance of a unified firefighting force throughout the county, emergency provisions were made for a National Fire Service. This came into being in 1941. This account of the NFS from its foundation includes many vivid and moving interviews with firemen and women who lived through the period, previously unseen photographs and documents, and also illustrates the vital role of the volunteer Corps of Canadian Fire fighters. John Leete records in detail the magnificent contribution made by these brave men and women.

Under Fire: Britain's Fire Service at War

History Pr Ltd

There are over 100,000 World War II re-enactors in the UK and over 1,000 living history events annually. Detailing kit, uniform, and Home Front history, this is the perfect resource for any re-enactor or WWII historian. World War II re-enactment plays an increasingly significant role in keeping alive the social and military history of the war years and it helps us all to remember the sacrifice and determination of a generation. Re-enactors regularly appear in television programmes, documentaries and films, as well as appearing at the increasing number of 1940s themed public events the length and breadth of the country. They spend a considerable amount of time researching the characters they portray, sourcing the correct uniforms and civilian dress, and collecting ephemera of the period. The 1940s were pivotal in the history of the nation and even today, six decades or more later, the legacy of the music, dance, songs and fashion continues to inspire new generations. Mixing previously unpublished original period images with a selection of stunning color images depicting the breadth of WWII re-enactment, the reader will be fascinated by the characters, their individual stories, amazing experiences and their dedication. This truly is history brought to life!

A Re-enactor's War: The Home Front Revisited and Remembered

Arts & Photography

Photography & Video

Spellmount

Wartime New Forest Revealed

Military

Bourchier

Adapting from a peacetime role to one of greater magnitude than anyone could have expected, resourcefulness, bravery and self-sacrifice were to become the cornerstones of Britain’s firefighting services during the Second World War. Rising to great challenges during air raids and always exceeding the expectations of a grateful population, these heroes with grimy faces’ remain the unsung heroes of the war on the home front. Their story is uniquely enhanced by the arrival in England of over 400 volunteer firemen from Canada. The Canadians took up Britain’s call for help in dealing with the onslaught of enemy air raids, yet it wasn’t until 1942 that the first contingents of the Corps of Canadian Firefighters arrived in Liverpool. These men, having braved a journey across the U-boat infested Atlantic Ocean, faced an equally uncertain future on the streets of war-ravaged cities including London, Bristol and Plymouth. Their relatively unknown contribution was nonetheless significant and every member of the Corps played his part in helping to win the war on the home front. Many members of the Corps sustained injuries and three made the ultimate sacrifice. This is their story.

Brothers in Arms: Canadian Firefighters in England in the Second World War

Berringer, Brian

Americas

Amberley Publishing

The 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.

The New Forest at War: Revised and Updated

Sabrestorm Publishing

WW2 New Forest Discovered: The areas Vital Contribution to the National War Effort

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Books by Leete, John