Cornwall In The First World War

Servicemen from Royal Naval Air Station Mullion
prepare for a 'run ashore' into Helston, 1917

My new book, 'Cornwall In The First World War', is published by Truran on 11 November. With 112 pages and 100 images, you'll find it in bookshops across the Duchy, or on Amazon: http://amzn.to/19JbtZm

The First World War affected every town and village in Cornwall; no-one stayed untouched. At the outbreak in August 1914 thousands joined the colours, while the Duchy soon became a vital part of Britain’s all-consuming war effort. Ships of the Royal Navy, aircraft, even airships arrived to defend the sea lanes off Cornwall’s coastline, in a brutal campaign against marauding German submarines. On the home front, for four gruelling years Cornish men and women worked tirelessly to support those fighting in distant battles overseas.

Today, although a century has passed there’s a strong connection with the First World War, through family histories and community heritage. We don't have to look too far back to find those who joined up, whether frock-coated, flat-capped or long-skirted. Conflict raged on a scale never seen before, and Cornwall would play a crucial role in the struggle.

The First World War's centenary represents a unique moment in history. As well as the military events, the book focuses on the people of that time; it's a glimpse of Cornish life a hundred years ago. I hope it will appeal to everyone interested in Cornwall's past.