The Second World War transformed British society. Men, women and children inhabited the war in every area of their lives, from their clothing and food to schools, workplaces and wartime service. This transformation affected the landscapes, towns and cities as factories turned to war work, beaches were prepared as battlefields and agricultural land became airfields and army camps. Some of these changes were violent: houses were blasted into bombsites, burning aircraft tumbled out of the sky and the seas around Britain became a graveyard for sunken ships. Many physical signs of the war have survived - a vast array of sites and artefacts that archaeologists can explore - and Gabriel Moshenska's new book is an essential introduction to them. He shows how archaeology can bring the ruins, relics and historic sites of the war to life, especially when it is combined with interviews and archival research in order to build up a clear picture of Britain and its people during the conflict. His work provides for the first time a broad and inclusive overview of the main themes of Second World War archaeology and a guide to many of the different types of sites in Britain. It will open up the subject for readers who have a general interest in the war and it will be necessary reading and reference for those who are already fascinated by wartime archaeology - they will find something new and unexpected within the wide range of sites featured in the book.

About the Author
Gabriel Moshenska received a PhD in the archaeology of the Second World War from the Institute of Archaeology, University College London. He conducts archaeological excavation and survey on First and Second World War sites in Greater London, as well as historical research on Civil Defence and the Home Front. His work has featured in television documentaries and a number of academic journals, books, newspapers and magazines. He is a member of the editorial advisory board for the magazine Military Times and he is the editor, with A. Myers, of Archaeologies of Internment and, with S. Dhanjal, of Community Archaeology.

Reviews
Many physical signs of the war have survived - a vast array of sites and artefacts that archaeologists can explore- and Gabriel Moshenska's book is an essential introduction to them. Scale Military Modelling International With the possible exception of the castles built during the medieval period, few conflicts have made so great a mark on the British landscape as the Second World War. This book catalogues the extensive range of archaeological remains which, to this day, can still be found scattered across the country; including airfields, pillboxes, anti-aircraft positions, air raid shelters, crash sites, dockyards and prisoner of war camps. The background details of each are discussed in turn, with several key moments highlighted, accompanied by details of the various excavations which have taken place. The result is an inspiring introduction to a subject which really makes you want to wander off into the countryside and see what you can find for yourself. Pegasus Archive http://www.pegasusarchive.org



Book Information
ISBN 9781848846418
Author Gabriel Moshenska
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Pen & Sword Books Ltd
Publisher Pen & Sword Books Ltd