During the Second World War

Devon was reputedly the most militarized county in the country. This was particularly so just before D-Day when every town and village was bursting with American troops preparing to take part in the liberation of occupied Europe. But the story of Devon at War begins long before that and in this book we visit places that were affected at different stages of the conflict.

We learn how Plymouth and Exeter experienced some of the most devastating air attacks outside London, while even smaller communities along the South Coast suffered from the shock tactics of tip and run raids. We see the crucial part that the county's ports and harbours played in keeping Britain’s Navy afloat and at the forefront of operations. And perhaps most important of all, we acknowledge the county’s incalculable contribution to all aspects of Operation Overlord, on land, at sea, or in the air.

Of course every community has its own story to tell but it would be impossible to include them all. The examples chosen give a good summary of what took place in Devon during those dark days when the country as a whole was fighting for its very survival.