"The New Forest at War" documents aspects of the social and military history of this unique area of Britain during the years of the Second World War. The Forest was on the front line of the massive build-up and launch of D-Day in June 1944. Although many parts of Britain contributed to the final assault, it was this part of Hampshire that was used as the primary assembly and departure point. There were over 100,000 troops under canvas and thousands of military vehicles parked in the quiet country lanes throughout the area. There were also many thousands of ships off the Forest coastline in the waters of the Solent. This anniversary edition of "The New Forest at War", which was first published in 2004, contains additional chapters and images, and gives details of the preservation of the New Forest's wartime heritage by the National Park Authority. It is well illustrated with photographs, maps and documents, and contains many first-hand accounts of the New Forest during the war. The reminiscences featured here come from military personnel as well as civilians, and provide us with a fascinating snapshot of life at this critical time.
It will be of great interest to everyone who lives and works in the Forest, to visitors and to all those with an interest in Britain's wartime heritage.