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Book Cover for: Defending Island Britain in the Second World War: Documentary Sources, David Rogers

Defending Island Britain in the Second World War: Documentary Sources

David Rogers

Historically, one could argue that island nations were presented with a degree of comfort in being surrounded by water (especially so before the invention of flight and submarines); however, technological advances in the early part of the 20th century changed that completely. The advent of flight - and later, that of rocket-powered armaments - changed the way warfare was conducted. No longer did one need to travel on sea voyages to attack your enemies, for one could simply either drop bombs or send rockets into the very heartland of previously protected nations. Furthermore, the development of submarines ensured that island nations could be cut off from food supplies etc. more easily and with greater stealth than previously.

As the threat of coastal invasion intensified in the United Kingdom, vulnerable zones were identified - particularly from The Wash to the Dorset coastline and parts of Eastern Scotland. Once identified, these coastlines and an inland area (sometimes stretching for a few miles) became regions of concern from the potential need for rapid evacuation, and plans were also identified to deny the enemy resources within these zones, should there be an invasion. These competing needs led to many meetings and potential plans for the rapid movement of people and documents/offices etc.

Coastal defenses were also erected and antiaircraft measures enabled - some of which are still visible now more than 70 years later; there was much to do to protect these areas.

Our close proximity to Europe - and the unfolding scale of conflict - also brought challenges of their own (especially following the fall of France and Norway). Airfields once in Allied hands were quickly manned with Axis aircraft and personnel - making it possible for them to attack a far greater area of the United Kingdom's countryside and towns.

In amongst these challenges, the civilian and armed forces determined a path forward (some of the plans for which have never been documented). The following just scratches the surface of the ingenuity and bravery of many people and children.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Helion & Company
  • Publish Date: Jan 24th, 2018
  • Pages: 224
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - undefined
  • Dimensions: 9.10in - 6.10in - 0.60in - 1.00lb
  • EAN: 9781911512592
  • Categories: Wars & Conflicts - World War II - GeneralMilitary - Strategy

About the Author

Rogers, David: - "Dave Rogers set up Danercon Ltd in 2004 - having previously worked for a multinational company for 23 years. During his industrial career, Dave spent time working in research and development and in the manufacturing division. His research experience involved product component research, product design and the implementation of process verification equipment. Dave's manufacturing experience covers the product issues of day-to-day manufacture and product design as part of a waste reduction effort, as well as leading a process research and development group of some 20 engineers and scientists. Dave holds a Bachelor and Doctorate Degree in Chemistry, and Fellowships with the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Royal Photographic Society and The British Institute of Professional Photography (the latter by invitation). He was Visiting Professor at the University of Westminster 2002-05. Dave is a long-term school governor - having recently completed 15 years as primary school governor. He has written or edited 13 books. Two are war-related, which he edited for his father; a third wartime book was co-written by Dave and his father. This is Dave's fifth book for Helion - having previously written Top Secret. British Boffins in World War One, Men Amidst the Madness - British Technology Development in World War Two, Destination D-Day - preparations for the invasion of North-West Europe 1944 and Rebuilding Britain The aftermath of World War Two."

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Praise for this book

"This is a well-researched book which will fill a gap in the history of the Second World War. It will be invaluable to those with an interest in the bureaucratic processes of preparing a country for war."-- "Army Rumour Service"
"A most interesting, useful and, hopefully, inspiring analysis of Britain's preparations for a threatened Nazi invasion in 1940-41."-- "Baird Maritime"
"For those particularly interested in the Second World War, the defence of the British Isles, or a more general interest in military history, Defending Island Britain in the Second World War will be a worthwhile addition to bookshelves."-- "The Naval Review"