The Great War left an indelible mark on almost every town and village
in Britain and this extensively researched book looks in detail at how
that war affected the town of Swansea and its people.Themes covered in
the book include recruitment and the treatment of conscientious
objectors, how Belgian refugees were cared for, and what happened to
foreign nationals who were living in Swansea at the outbreak of war.
How the war affected the trade of the town, especially the docks, is
examined, as well as the fate of numerous Swansea ships that became
targets for the German U-Boat campaign. The organisation of medical
aid for wounded servicemen and the effect of food shortages, and its
subsequent rationing in Swansea, are covered. The new roles performed
by women and the efforts made in the town to provide support for those
left at home, or serving at the front, are also examined. Away from
the Home Front, the actions of both of the Swansea Victoria Cross
winners are recounted, as are the stories of some of those who served
on land, on sea, or in the air. These include a Swansea airman who was
downed by the famous Red Baron, another who flew again after losing a
leg in combat, a Swansea sailor who was lost in an encounter with a
German U-Boat, the Swansea officer who twice escaped from a POW camp,
and several former Swansea men who returned with Canadian, Australian
or South African units to fight the common foe, with often tragic
results. There are also stories of a Swansea nurse captured by the
Austrians in Serbia, and a Swansea doctor at Gallipoli.Swansea in the
Great War is a welcome and long overdue look at how the Great War
affected the town and its people. How did the experience of war affect
Swansea and the surrounding area? - From the initial enthusiasm, to
the gradual realization of the enormity of human sacrifice the
families of Swansea were committed to as the war stretched out over
the next four years. A record of the growing disillusion of the
people, their tragedies and hardships and a determination to see it
through. The Great War affected everyone. At home there were wounded
soldiers in military hospitals, refugees from Belgium and later on
German prisoners of war. There were food and fuel shortages and
disruption to schooling. The role of women changed dramatically and
they undertook a variety of work undreamed of in peacetime. Extracts
from contemporary letters reveal their heroism and give insights into
what it was like under battle conditions, including the disastrous
first day at the Somme for the Swansea Pals.
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Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781473840881
Publisert
2014
Utgiver
Vendor
Pen & Sword Military (ORIM)
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter