Resources: Life on the British Home Front

What would it have been like to live in England during World War Two? How will this setting affect the characters and plot of Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian? 

1. Start by looking in the OPAC to find some books to learn more about The British Home Front and to uncover some great photos. Try searching for World War II-History, 20th Century and England-History. Search by category for Wanzer-Battle of Britain.
Some of the titles you will find in our collection are:

While you're there, look for DVD's and audiotapes too!

2. Now duck the bombs on your way to Online Resources. Remember they offer the best of both worlds, reliable data that is delivered electronically so it can be updated regularly. Try the Historic New York Times and Student Resource Center. Print it by clicking on the printer friendly button first!

3. In addition to using books and magazines to find out about the British Home Front, why not also test the power of the Internet? The links below will get you started.

Informational | Multimedia | Personal Accounts | Technical Support

Informational

• National Archives: Learning Curve Home Front 1939-1945 - Site created for students studying the British home front during WWII. Lots of first hand accounts of the evacuation!
• A British Soldier Remembers - In his own words, the following are some of Ron's stories about his service in Austria.
• HOLNET: London at War, 1939-1945 - London-focused website for scholars broken down into topics: Women
  in the War, Children and the War, Air Raids, etc.
• Wartime Art – BBC - Article from the British Broadcasting Company describing the evacuation of great works
  of art during the bombing of London .
• Second World War Experience Center - Visitors to this website can access biographies, audio-clips, documents and photographs
• Spartacus Educational: Home Front Notes - Written information on many WWII British Home Front topics.

Multimedia

• Learning Curve: OnFilm - A collection of film clips illustrating various aspects of home front life.
• BBC: Children of World War 2 - An interactive and informative site focusing on the child's experience of WWII
  in Britain .
• BBC: World War Two - The BBC's general WWII site - lots of articles, images, and other information. A good overview!
• Center: The Second World War Experience - Biographies, audio-clips, documents and photographs, of individuals selected from all branches of the services (Allied and Axis) to civilian experience at home and abroad
• The Home Front Museum - Includes photos not posted anywhere else.
• Fashion Era - Helpful information about the rationing of goods during World War Two.
  

Personal Accounts

• A British Soldier Remembers
• Wartime Memories Project - Life on the Home Front - A collection of stories about the British Home Front during World War Two from the people who lived through it.

Technical Support

• Scrapbook Primer - Check out this page for tips on possible layouts for your family's scrapbook!
• The Citation Machine - To help you cite your sources!