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Debs at War Anne de Courcy

Debs at War By Anne de Courcy

Debs at War by Anne de Courcy


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Summary

An extraordinary account - from firsthand sources - of upper class women and the active part they took in the War

Debs at War Summary

Debs at War: 1939-1945 by Anne de Courcy

An extraordinary account - from firsthand sources - of upper class women and the active part they took in the War

Pre-war debutantes were members of the most protected, not to say isolated, stratum of 20th-century society: the young (17-20) unmarried daughters of the British upper classes. For most of them, the war changed all that for ever. It meant independence and the shock of the new, and daily exposure to customs and attitudes that must have seemed completely alien to them. For many, the almost military regime of an upper class childhood meant they were well suited for the no-nonsense approach needed in wartime.

This book records the extraordinary diversity of challenges, shocks and responsibilities they faced - as chauffeurs, couriers, ambulance-drivers, nurses, pilots, spies, decoders, factory workers, farmers, land girls, as well as in the Women's Services. How much did class barriers really come down? Did they stick with their own sort? And what about fun and love in wartime - did love cross the class barriers?

Debs at War Reviews

A wonderful slice of social history, and Anne de Courcy is a skilled interviewer with a sure eye for the telling quotation or the stand-out detail * MAIL ON SUNDAY *
Produces some memorable cameos. Among the most memorable are those of a young girl delivering local post from her grandmother's Scottish estate with a 4.10 rifle slung over her shoulder, ready to fire at German planes, oddest of all, perhaps, is an account from one of Lord Rothermere's daughters, of tea being served on the terrace by a butler in white gloves while a dogfight raged overhead -- Miranda Seymour
Despite their odd upbringing and closeted lives, the young gels of upper-class England rose to the challenge of the Second World War with grit and gumption * DAILY TELEGRAPH *
This book records the extraordinary diversity of challenges, shocks and responsibilities they faced - as chauffeurs, couriers, ambulance-drivers, nurses, pilots, spies, decoders, factory workers, farmers, land girls, as well as in the Women's Services. * EVENING STANDARD *
She captures within one book a vivid impression of those years, a short history of the women's services, a closely focused view of an exotic corner of social history, and a lot of human interest. It all makes riveting reading * LITERARY REVIEW *
A tale of derring-do, make do and make-up... De Courcy reveals the innocence and bravery of these young women. * EXPRESS *
DEBS AT WAR covers a quirky and original subject and tells some cracking human interest stories. * HAM & HIGH *
an irresistible account of high spirits, derring-do and real old-fashioned bravery * EVENING STANDARD *

About Anne de Courcy

Anne de Courcy is a well-known writer and journalist. In the 1970s she was Woman's Editor on the London Evening News and in the 1980s she was a regular feature-writer for the Evening Standard. She is also a former feature writer and reviewer for the Daily Mail. Her recent books include THE VICEROY'S DAUGHTERS and DEBS AT WAR.


Go to www.annedecourcy.com for more information.

Additional information

GOR012049471
9780753820780
0753820781
Debs at War: 1939-1945 by Anne de Courcy
Used - Like New
Paperback
Orion Publishing Co
2006-05-04
320
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
The book has been read, but looks new. The book cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket is included if applicable. No missing or damaged pages, no tears, possible very minimal creasing, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins

Customer Reviews - Debs at War