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Black Country in the Great War Michael Pearson

Black Country in the Great War By Michael Pearson

Black Country in the Great War by Michael Pearson


$10,00
Condition - Very Good
Only 2 left

Summary

Fascinating and much forgotten story of the Black Country's contribution to the Great War.

Black Country in the Great War Summary

Black Country in the Great War by Michael Pearson

This is not a book about the Great War; it is about life during the war. Changes in people's lives: their work, home, food, entertainment and news. I used original research material including newspapers, to paint a picture of life in the Black Country. Manufacturing was vital; we were well-equipped to supply the engines of war. The region had motor manufacturers who made aero engines, tanks, guns, munitions and much more. Towards the end of the war the Black Country became one huge munitions works! Some of the greatest changes were societal, women's role changed massively. Wider social change involved the first steps towards equality between the sexes. By 1918 women could vote and stand as MPs. At work, women became clerks, tram drivers, munitions workers and more. With so many men away, without women the war could not have been won. This was the first modern conflict, truly the First World War, where troops globally converged, mainly on France and Belgium, to fight a common enemy. It began in August 1914 amid much excitement and the initial months saw the British Army grow hugely. There were those who did not want to fight, their circumstances will be examined, as well as methods used to 'encourage' them to sign up. The war developed into trench warfare, with heavy casualties, vastly more than thought imaginable. Most Black Country families lost one or more of their loved ones; but there was little time to mourn; in many cases reports were not made public for some time; a well-oiled propaganda machine saw that news did not seriously damage morale. In 1916 war came to the Black Country through a Zeppelin raid. Its affect was devastating and impacted widely as restrictions were placed on lighting and other measures to minimise the effects of probable future raids. By 1917 the Black Country had to cope with more wounded from the front line. Hospitals were full and further measures were needed to accommodate our returning injured heroes. Treatment, feeding and entertainment for the wounded are all examined. Indeed, generally food supply was of concern from day one of the war. Prices rose, supply became short, there were riots protesting about 'profiteering' and eventually rationing was imposed. Alcohol supply was strictly controlled, pubs closed for a period during the day, to stop essential workers neglecting their duties. This change illustrates how life in Britain changed; it was the 1980s before this restriction on pub opening hours was finally lifted. By 1917 the war became a marathon, with no end in sight. The Government sought innovative means to raise money and the Black Country played its part in supporting those initiatives. Local charities raised funds through events including football matches, fetes, collections and more to provide money for good causes. Parcels to prisoners of war, troops serving at the front and the wounded were all catered for. Christmas traditions were preserved, mainly for the children, with parties for those whose father was away at war. 1918, the final year of conflict, culminated in the Armistice. Men returned to the Black Country as heroes, but how life and work had changed!

About Michael Pearson

Author Michael Pearson retired as a Police Inspector from West Midlands Police in 2010; he worked in both Birmingham and the Black Country. His final years of service were spent working on the National Police Federation. He has long been a keen student of Black Country history, and edits The Blackcountryman, the quarterly journal of the Black Country Society, and also manages the Black Country Society website. He has written many articles on aspects of the Black Country's history. His titles include Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths Around the Black Country (with David Cox) and Tracing Your Black Country Ancestors.

Additional information

GOR007379324
9781783376087
1783376082
Black Country in the Great War by Michael Pearson
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Pen & Sword Books Ltd
2014-09-03
160
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

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