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Isle of Man in the Great War (ePub)

Military WWI > By Year > 1914 WWI > By Year > 1915 WWI > By Year > 1916 WWI > By Year > 1917 WWI > By Year > 1918 WWI > Prisoners of War World History > UK & Ireland > Towns & Cities in the Great War

By Caroline Smith
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Series: Your Towns & Cities in the Great War
File Size: 5.2 MB (.epub)
Illustrations: 100 illustrations
ISBN: 9781473843103
Published: 7th January 2015

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In August 1914, the Isle of Man was in the middle of a very successful summer season. The tourist industry was crucial to the island, but suddenly holiday-makers left and the Steam Packet vessels that normally brought them were requisitioned. The future was uncertain for those who relied on the season and their pleas for assistance were ignored. For some, the cost of living became impossibly high and without the welfare measures that had been brought about in Britain, many faced destitution. Others however, particularly farmers and those involved with the internment camps, would find war very profitable. The divisions between rich and poor grew creating much social disaffection and a bitter battle for reform was fought. As arguments raged over conscription, taxation, the economy and the housing of enemy aliens, the personalities of the period came to prominence. The unprecedented scenes of direct action and several dramatic court cases are brought to life in this account of how the island began its path to progress.

The Isle of Man played an important role in World War One, supplying troops and vessels and running special camps for the internment of enemy. 8,261 men enlisted in the armed forces, which was 82.3% of the Isle of Man's male population of military age. Of these, 1,165 gave their lives and 987 were wounded.

The experience of war significantly impacted on the Island, from the initial enthusiasm for sorting out the German Kaiser in time for Christmas 1914, to the gradual realization of the enormity of human sacrifice the families of the Isle were committed to as the war stretched out over the next four years.

The Great War affected everyone. At home there were wounded soldiers in military hospitals, refugees from Belgium and later on German prisoners of war. There were food and fuel shortages and disruption to schooling. The role of women changed dramatically and they undertook a variety of work undreamed of in peacetime. Extracts from contemporary letters reveal their heroism and give insights into what it was like under battle conditions.

As featured in

Writing Magazine, November 2016

As featured on Manx Radio.

Manx Radio

This carefully researched book is an important contribution to the commemoration of the Great War. Caroline Smith has introduced a new dimension to our perspective on what happened between 1914 and 1918.
This book has raised questions about how all island communities around Britain coped in the Great War and how the Westminster Government valued their loyalty.

Historical Association

As featured in the Worksop Guardian.

Worksop Guardian

As featured on the Isle of Man Today website.

Isle of Man Today
 Caroline Smith

About Caroline Smith

Caroline Smith was born and educated in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, and has a degree in history from Lancaster University. After taking an accountancy qualification and working mainly in manufacturing, Caroline and her husband relocated to the Isle of Man.

Caroline is the author of several articles about the island. She is also involved with the local History in Action group, who aim to tell the stories of the island, including those of the Great War, through drama.

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