Swansea in the Second World War - Swansea

Don't miss your chance to attend what will be a fascinating event.
Local author, Bernard Lewis, will be in conversation about his brand new book, Swansea and the Second World War.
The book is an overview of Swansea’s experience during World War II, set out in a single volume for the first time. Swansea’s port and industries were key targets for the Nazis. From the start, the town prepared for the worst with air-raid shelters, anti-aircraft guns, barrage balloons and eff orts to fortify against attack by sea or air. With Britain heading into total war, the book looks at the impact of conscription on both men and women, food rationing, how Jewish refugees to Swansea and Swansea children evacuated to safer areas fared, as well as at the war’s effects on schooling, crime and healthcare in the town.
The consequences of the numerous air raids and especially the searing ‘Swansea Blitz’ attacks of February 1941 are investigated, as is the response to the ensuing emergencies, including sometimes deadly bomb-disposal work. Researched in both local and national archives, this book is a comprehensive testament to the lives of the people of Swansea over the course of the conflict, including many personal testimonies.
Bernard Lewis has a Diploma in Local History from the University of Wales (Swansea) and is the author of five books on Swansea/Neath local history, including Swansea and the Workhouse - The Poor Law in Victorian Swansea, Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths Around Swansea and Swansea in the Great War. He is also the author of a biography of World War II POW camp escapee Henry Coombe-Tennant, Wales’ Unknown Hero: Soldier, Spy, Monk.

Event Venue

Waterstones, 17 Whitewalls, Swansea, United Kingdom