Description

When war was declared in 1914, the people of South Dorset were taken by surprise. Initially, there was excitement as the garrison town of Dorchester sprang to life and Britain’s Grand Fleet steamed from Portland Harbour to its war stations in the North Sea. But when the fervour subsided, what was it like for ordinary people? This book describes how they settled down with purpose to a life at war…

Women volunteered for Red Cross work, traders made the most of new markets, and mothers learned to cope not only with food shortages and blackouts, but the constant fear that their loved ones wouldn’t return. Children saved their pennies to send ‘comforts’ to the troops, and everyone did their best to keep the home fires burning.

Read about the extensive prisoner of war camp established on the edge of Dorchester to house German captives; the wounded Australian soldiers who were sent to recover in Weymouth, where they became firm favourites with the ladies; and the soldiers billeted in Portland homes who didn’t always treat their hosts with the respect they deserved.

Published: 2015

Pages:144