Civilians' War

Allied: British and Commonwealth

Allied: British and Commonwealth

The men, women and children of Britain experienced great changes to their lives during the Second World War, including the absence from the family of key members, loss of loved ones, food shortages and rationing, bombing and mass movements from homes. Of course people at home were greatly involved in the war effort by way of farming, munitions, industry and mining, nursing, scientific research and weapon development as well as teaching, shop work and clerical jobs. A number of organisations also played an active role, including the WVS (Women's Voluntary Service), the AFS (Auxiliary Fire Service), ARP (Air Raid Precautions) and Local Defence Volunteers, or Home Guard. In these pages we feature examples of personal experiences of British civilians in the form of biographies, photographs and documents from the Centre's extensive collection.

During the Second World War, the civilian population of the Commonwealth countries supported the efforts of the armed forces fighting far from home in many ways, while anxious for the safety of their loved ones. This is a newly developing section of our archive and we would welcome donations of new material in the form of memoirs, photographs and documents.

Should you wish to contribute memories or memorabilia please see how to Donate Material.

Allied: Europe

Allied: Europe

The men, women and children of Europe experienced great changes to their lives during the Second World War, including mass movements from homes, the loss of friends and family, living under Occupation, Allied bombing, perhaps involved in forced labour, resistance activities and facing reprisals. The Centre holds personal experiences encompassing these life-changing events but would welcome more memories and memorabilia. Should you wish to contribute to the archive please see how to Donate Material

Allied: USA

Allied: USA
As yet no articles

During the Second World War, the civilian population of the USA supported the efforts of the armed forces fighting far from home in many ways, but above all in industrial effort and food production, while anxious for the safety of their loved ones. The Centre holds collections of original letters and photographs depicting conditions on the Home Front and examples will be included as time permits. However we are always keen to expand the archive holdings in this area. Should you wish to contribute memories or memorabilia please see how to Donate Material.

Axis

Axis
As yet no articles

The men, women and children of the Axis countries experienced great changes to their lives during the Second World War, including the absence and loss of loved ones, food shortages and rationing, bombing, mass movements from homes and invasion from East and West. Although a newly developing area of the archive we plan to feature personal experiences and images illustrating life for the civilians of the Axis countries as time permits. Should you wish to contribute memories or memorabilia please see how to Donate Material.