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South East Northumberland at War 1939–45 (Paperback)

Military P&S History > Social History WWII World History > UK & Ireland > England World History > UK & Ireland > Towns & Cities in World War Two

By Dr Craig Armstrong
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Series: Your Towns & Cities in World War Two
Pages: 165
Illustrations: 50
ISBN: 9781473867468
Published: 30th July 2019

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In 1939, South-East Northumberland shared a proud tradition of military service with it’s wider region and this was reflected in the huge numbers of men and women from the area who came forward for service in the military or in roles such as the Home Guard, ARP services or nursing. This part of Northumberland was a key recruitment centre for the local county regiment, the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, with men from the area being heavily involved in the fighting during the blitzkrieg of France and the Low Countries, the miracle of Dunkirk, as well as many more battles. Yet, to the dismay of many, an entire territorial battalion was taken prisoner at Singapore. 



The district was also vital as both an industrial and farming centre with a nationally significant mining industry, light and heavy industry and shipbuilding nestling alongside large tracts of farming land. The area’s coastline was a key battleground throughout the war with the Nazis making determined attacks on the vital shipping lanes which ran up the coast from London to Scotland. The port town of Blyth thus played a substantial role in maintaining the supply lines of the British Isles and was also home to a large submarine base and training centre. 



Many communities in the area welcomed evacuees from urban Tyneside whilst others were themselves evacuated. Others saw the business opportunities created by the war and this book highlights this and also includes accounts of the struggle that many families faced in coping with rising wartime prices, longer working hours and endless worry. Despite the hardships the people of South-East Northumberland faced, morale was maintained and the community continued to provide incredible charitable support right up until the end of the war in addition to their normal efforts.

Others, unfortunately, saw the war as a chance to improve their financial prospects and the book also uncovers several scandals and subsequent trials which showed a sometimes darker side to the home front.

 South-East Northumberland at War 1939-1945 poignantly commemorates the efforts and achievements of Northumberland's south-eastern communities: farmers, fighters, families divided, all surviving astounding challenges.

Armstrong is a very old Northumberland name, associated with the notorious family of Border Reivers and also with the great industrialist and engineer, Sir William.

His namesake has done a fine job of social and military history in this enjoyable book, which is an invaluable account of a tight community in a small part of Northumberland, in WW2.

Fortress Study Group, April 2020 - reviewed by Gil Dowdall-Brown

As featured in

Hexham Local History Society

This particular book comes across as a very intimate read about the area, it deals with the course of the ward, what went on the building up of the services as the war went on, the local people and how the community worked together and adapted to circumstances. Having been to the area it is a very rural and coastal place with lots of small towns and cities surrounded by countryside. Reading this book and recognising most of the places it was a great read. Also for a small book, I hadn't expected it to be packed with so much text and the pictures/charts are great too, very informative. A book that I hope does well and should sell well in that particular area.

Read the full review here

UK Historian

The ‘Your Towns & Cities In World War Two’ is providing a unique catalogue of local histories specific to WWII and has become very popular. This new book is written by an author born and bred in the area and provides a completely absorbing account of how the people of South-East Northumberland responded to the realities of WWII – Very Highly Recommended.

Read the full review here

Firetrench

The latest in Pen and Sword's brilliant "Your Towns and Cities in World War Two" continues with South East Northumberland. Essential and fascinating reading in both of these books for locals, students, social historians etc.

Books Monthly

About Dr Craig Armstrong

Born and bred in Northumberland, Dr Craig Armstrong is an experienced historian,with a special interest in the history of the North East of England and Scotland. He works as a freelance author and has taught history at both Newcastle University and Northumbria University.

Perfect Partner

North Northumberland at War 1939 - 1945 (Paperback)

In 1939, North Northumberland shared a proud tradition of military service with it’s wider region and this was reflected in the huge numbers of men and women from the area who came forward for service in the military or in roles such as the Home Guard, ARP services or nursing. This part of Northumberland was a key recruitment centre for the local county regiment, the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, with men from the area being heavily involved in the fighting during the blitzkrieg of France and the Low Countries, the miracle of Dunkirk, as well as many more battles. Yet, to the dismay of many,…

By Dr Craig Armstrong

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