Hampshire at War

Author Pat Ross, celebrated for her previous studies of Hampshire folklore and local history, has woven together a fascinating tapestry of recollection from those who saw it all happen with their own eyes. Hampshire At War records these memories in the witnesses’ own words, their authentic voices, and is illustrated with contemporary pictures, some of which have never before been published. The genesis of the book was an oral history of Hayling Island’s experience of Hitler’s War. Surprised by the number and quality of the stories gleaned, the author then resolved to widen her research, and the completed book now encompasses the whole county - plus contributions from beyond its borders. As a testimony to the enduring grit and courage of Hampshire people, and as a memorial to those who, sadly, did not survive to tell their own stories, this book will become a classic of its genre.

Author Pat Ross, celebrated for her previous studies of Hampshire folklore and local history, has woven together a fascinating tapestry of recollection from those who saw it all happen with their own eyes. Hampshire At War records these memories in the witnesses' own words, their authentic voices, and is illustrated with contemporary pictures, some of which have never before been published. The genesis of the book was an oral history of Hayling Island's experience of Hitler's War. Surprised by the number and quality of the stories gleaned, the author then resolved to widen her research, and the completed book now encompasses the whole county - plus contributions from beyond its borders. As a testimony to the enduring grit and courage of Hampshire people, and as a memorial to those who, sadly, did not survive to tell their own stories, this book will become a classic of its genre.

Hampshire is a county with more reason than most to remember those six years crowded with incident. It was from the South Coast that some of the flotilla of small boats ventured forth to conjure up the miracle of the Dunkirk evacuation. Hampshire was in the front line during the Battle of Britain, as Hitler’s Stukas tried in vain to knock out Ventnor’s radar. Portsmouth, home of the Royal Navy, withstood the punishments of the Blitz. Southampton was also forced to endure the Blitz, as punishment for its crucial part in lendlease and the Battle of the Atlantic. And finally, with the coming of the Americans, the entire county became a vast armed camp as the Allies prepared for D Day - the springboard to victory.