Eighty years after the end of the Second World War, a small team of Chorleywood u3a members are offering a vivid portrait of how life was transformed for those who lived in the village.
Richly illustrated and deeply researched, Chorleywood at War 1939-1945 celebrates the determination, humour and unity of a community under pressure, and honours the young men who gave their lives in service.
The book draws on newly available materials, contemporary newspapers, personal testimonies and archives to detail the preparation for war, the arrival of evacuees, and the troops and prisoners of war based at Chorleywood House.
It also highlights the dedication of Home Guard volunteers, land girls, ARP wardens and firemen, and explores daily challenges such as rationing, salvage, the blackout and ‘Dig for Victory’.
The book also uncovers secret wartime activities that took place in and around the village.
Speaking to CHORLEYWOODnews, co-author Robert Thackery said that what he found most interesting when writing this book was “realising the secret activity that went on in the area”.
He said: “The British Special Operations Executive (SOE) had places very locally. Factories in Watford were also making special equipment for the SOE.
“In the end, a book like this becomes not what you put into it, but what you couldn’t fit into it.”
Mr Thackeray describes this book as, in many ways, completing a trilogy of books based on the history of Chorleywood.
All three pieces, co-authored by David Hiddleston and Gillian Pugh, work to inform people of the village’s rich and interesting history.
As Mr Thackery said: “I think books about where you live help you with your sense of place. I think it is very difficult to find yourself in a place and not question what happened before.”
He believes that this latest book will “add richness to people’s understanding to where they live”.
Chorleywood at War 1939-1945 by David Hiddleston, Gillian Pugh and Robert Thackery is published by Chorleywood u3a in conjunction with Chorleywood Bookshop, and is now available from the bookshop.
For further information, please get in touch with Robert via email at Robert.thackery@me.com
Photo: Chorleywood House Estate
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