On 3 September 1939, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain sat tensely at a microphone, using radio to declare that 'this country is at war with Germany'. During the ensuing wartime years, the BBC was the sole radio broadcaster in Britain, boosting morale through programmes such as 'ITMA' and 'Worker's Playtime'; helping the Home Front with useful hints and advice; transmitting government messages; and providing news. Personalities and stars became household names - Tommy Handley, Arthur Askey, Ethel and Doris Walters, Mr Middleton - and their catchphrases could be heard everywhere. And yet, as this fascinating book explains, the BBC chose to avoid propaganda, and had to tread a fine line between what the people wanted to hear and what it was felt they should hear.

This book tunes in to the vital contribution British radio broadcasting made to victory during the Second World War. It will appeal to those interested in social, political and military history.

About the Author
Mike Brown was head of history in a London comprehensive school who, in the absence of a book about the Home Front for his pupils, decided to write one. Since then he has written 27 books on twentieth-century British history.


Book Information
ISBN 9781784422646
Author Mike Brown
Format Paperback
Page Count 64
Imprint Shire Publications
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 148g