Staffordshire's War: Voices of the First World War Book

This is the story of Staffordshire's First World War. Using a wide range of sources, including the Mid Staffs Military Appeal Tribunal papers, letters, diaries, journals, local newspapers and autobiographies, the book draws together the vast array of experiences from Staffordshire locals to build up a comprehensive picture of how the county experienced the war. It explores among other things the role of women and children on the home front, how individual lives were changed dramatically by war and the preparation for peace and 'reconstruction'. The First World War was not just about the Tommy fighting in the trenches - some had a very different experience: eg, Emma Sproson from Wolverhampton who was a former suffragette; young Belgian refugee, Alexander Maes, who stayed at Knutton; New Zealanders at Brocton camp; the wounded including the shell-shocked at Brindley Heath hospital. All their stories are told. The Home Front and everyday life is also considered, with the hardships of food production and the Women's Land Army. This remarkable collection of voices gives a unique insight into this county's First World War.Read More