The New Forest at War

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.

First published in 2004 this updated edition of The New Forest at War contains additional images and anecdotes which will add both to the reading experience and to visits to the Forest. This highly acclaimed book tells the story of the area during WW2 and its heritage, underpinned now by the New Forest National Park Authority which has implemented and hosts an area wide preservation scheme.

The book contains many photographs with first-hand accounts of the Forest during WW2 with reminiscences from military sources as well as civilians. It provides a fascinating snapshot of life at this critical time in the nation's history and it will be of interest to everyone who visits, lives or works in the Forest and to all those with an interest in Britain's wartime heritage.