The Second World War also affected those who did not serve in the forces. Men, women and children in many countries experienced unprecedented changes to their lives and their memories of this time are a vital element of the Centre’s collections. Biographies, photographs and other documents illustrate the impact this conflict had on the civilian way of life from evacuees to internees, factory workers and the Women’s Land Army. Please take time to visit our History Timeline pages, where some of our Home Front holdings are also featured.
Allied : British and Commonwealth
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 click on Donate Material.
Allied : Europe
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 click on Donate Material.