The British Soldier of the Second World War

Thousands of men fought for Britain in the Second World War. Covering recruitment, training, kit and life on the front line, this is the ideal introduction for anyone wanting an insight into the life of the British Tommy.

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By 1945 the British Army numbered 3 million men and was about three times as large as it had been when the Second World War broke out in 1939. British soldiers could be found fighting all over the world, from France and Belgium via North Africa and the Middle East to the jungles of Burma and the Far East. Many of these men were conscripted from those aged between eighteen and forty-one, making this a true citizens’ army. They would have had no previous military or combat experience, only about sixteen weeks’ training.

Covering Regulars, Territorials, Corps and the Infantry from volunteering or conscription to demob, this book explores the uniforms, insignia, kit, equipment, weaponry and training of British soldiers along with their lives and experiences on active service campaigns during the Second World War.

This book is part of the Britain’s Heritage series, which provides definitive introductions to the riches of Britain’s past, and is the perfect way to get acquainted with British soldiers of the Second World War in all their variety.