London 1945: Life in the Debris of War

Contemporary Review, Oct, 2004

London 1945: Life in the Debris of War. Maureen Waller. John Murray. [pounds sterling]20.00. xv 512 pages. ISBN 0-7195-6600-2. The author of this impressive book has delved deeply into various archival sources and also made copious use of first-hand recollections of those Londoners who survived the war.

By using numerous sources she gives readers a lively and wide-ranging survey of life in London both during the war and, in particular, during its last year. She also devotes attention to the first months after the end of the European war and describes how people, and authorities, once again adapted to peace as they embarked on the mammoth task of rebuilding the capital. She tackles, among other things, the difficulties of living in air-raid shelters, the role of government, the effect of years of bombing and then attacks by V1s and V2s, the work of 'making do' with rationed supplies, the black market, political activity and the problems facing children (a particularly moving chapter) and the difficulties people face in being reunited after the war's end. This is social history at its best. (J.M.)