UID:
edocfu_9961127378002883
Format:
1 online resource (171 pages) :
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digital, PDF file(s).
ISBN:
1-78744-890-8
Series Statement:
The publications of the Bedfordshire Historical Record Society ; volume 96
Content:
Edited by Patricia and Robert Malcolmson, The Bedford Diary of Leah Aynsley, 1943-1946, provides a fascinating insight into the daily life of a working class woman during the Second World War. Leah hoped that her diary, which she gave as a bequest to Bedfordshire Archives Service, would: 'often be useful to settle arguments as to what happened on such and such occasions.' She also thought that: 'being written by a working-class person among whom I suspect not many will keep such diaries . [it] may be interesting in future centuries'. Leah moved with her parents and two brothers to live in Queens Park, Bedford, in 1921 while in her twentieth year. During the war years she worked for W. H. Allen & Sons Engineering Works and the diary includes her thoughts on her job there and the work that was undertaken by the firm. The diary also details her day to day activities, generally confined to cycling distance of her home. But she had a busy and active life - working on her allotment in Bromham, attending BBC concerts in the Corn Exchange as well as going to local lectures and folk dances. Throughout the diary Leah comments on aspects of war-time Bedford including the influx of American airmen, rationing, Home Guard duties, bombing raids, air-raid warnings and preparations for invasion. Her style - understated, measured, factual, domestic but engaging - is no better captured than in her entry on Victory Day: 'V DAY. Well, the day is nearly over now. Very quiet around here. I have not heard any victory bells. The street has blossomed out into flags, bunting and fairy lights. The local shops were open - even the fish shop - and the baker called as usual ... Churchill broadcast at 3 p.m. ... A very pleasant day in May.'
Note:
Title from publisher's bibliographic system (viewed on 02 Jun 2023).
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Frontmatter --
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Contents --
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List of Illustrations --
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List of Maps --
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Acknowledgements --
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Introduction --
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1943 --
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1944 --
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1945 --
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1946 and After --
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Epilogue --
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Appendix: Some Books Read by Leah Aynsley --
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Bibliography --
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Index
Additional Edition:
ISBN 0-85155-083-5
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1515/9781787448902
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