Called Up, Sent Down: The Bevin Boys' War - Softcover

Hickman, Tom

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0752457497 ISBN 13: 9780752457499

Publisher: The History Press, 2010

Synopsis

At the outbreak of the Second World War the government short-sightedly allowed thousands of miners to enlist in the armed services. By 1943 the war effort was in danger of grinding to a halt because of a lack of coal. In answer Ernest Bevin, the Minister of Labour, sought service Volunteers - and compulaorily sent 20,000 18-year-olds, who'd expected to fight for their country, down the mines with them. Called Up, Sent Down paints a picture not just of the arduous life below ground but as the Bevin Boys found it in the tightly-knit communities, which in some cases welcomed them but in others treated them with hostility. Called Up, Sent Down is an enthralling oral and social history of an episode of war that has never been fully told.

About this title

About the Author:

Tom Hickman has worked as features writer, features editor and editor on various national magazines, newspapers and for the BBC. He is the author of a number of successful 20th century histories including The Call-Up: A History of National Service.

About this edition

• Publisher: The History Press
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0752457497
• ISBN 13: 9780752457499
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 268