This book tells the largely untold story of WWI's Volunteer Training Corps, the forgotten equivalent of World War II's Home Guard. Self-financing and training in their spare time they developed as an effective anti-invasion force. Alongside VTC were the many medical, transport, police and youth organisations which also kept the home fires burning.
Northamptonshire's central position astride some of England's major routes made it the scene of decisive battles, skirmishes and sieges whose evidence is reflected in the landscape. Visible defensive sites, ranging from castles to missile bases, are described in this book and placed in their social, political, historical and military contexts.
Bedfordshire has always been strategically important. From Iron Age hillforts to medieval sieges and battles it has seen significant military action. In WWI the county contributed to the birth of the RAF. In WWII its bases despatched RAF and USAAF bombers over Germany, but the major activity was the secret war associated with the Bedford Triangle.
This book shows Britain's youngsters adapting to the conditions of the Second World War, with many of their schools fulfilling military roles. They endured physical danger from bombing and disease; worked in industry and agriculture; served in the Home Guard and ARP; volunteered in health and welfare; and prepared for military service as cadets.