War Stories

A great big 'THANK YOU' is due for all of your input with this project - Our CSV Action Desk Producers have written this letter to say just that...

"For the past eight months I've been involved with the BBC's People's War Campaign here at Radio Stoke. To celebrate the 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two each region across the nation, involved in the campaign, collected WW2 stories and memories from the British public to create an Internet archive that will never be lost.

Throughout the summer and autumn of 2005 we, as Radio Stoke and CSV representatives, attended over fifty events from Crewe to Lichfield at which the people of Staffordshire and Cheshire kindly gave us hundreds of fantastic stories.

I have to say, my job has been frustrating and hard work at times, but when things didn't always go to plan there was usually a new story sent in or someone to call who had a tale to tell which would remind me why People's War was so worthwhile. We've already lost so many people who experienced the war first hand and many of the stories we recorded were passed on from a now deceased parent which makes you sad this campaign didn't occur ten or fifteen years ago.

We have received some truly remarkable stories of bravery, tragedy and humour, usually from people who don't believe they did anything of interest during the war and don't wish to 'bore you' with what they believe to be mundane recollections.

Below is a selection of stories from the hundreds we recorded which I believe to be terrific examples of the ways local people experienced and contributed to the war effort.

I would like to thank our team of volunteers who gave up their free time to travel the county chatting to members of coffee mornings, British Legions, retirement homes, tea dances... They did a grand job! Of course, the biggest thank you is to all those who were willing to share their memories with the rest of the world in the hope future generations will never forget."

See the completed archive

If you want to have a look at some of the stories or photographs in the archive, click on the link below.

'The Factory in a Garden' Sharon Gater & David Vincent. Published by Keele University.
A chapter of this book was kindly donated to us as it traces how Wedgwood coped, survived and even expanded during the war years as the national economy geared for war and skilled workers went off to fight.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A8106031

'Around the World in The Royal Navy' Eric Lawrence Smith
This was a such a gigantic story that it has been split into many chapters but gives you such detail of life at sea that you feel you are onboard with Eric.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A6784897

'Eyes of the 8th Army' Johnnie Johnson
Simply a fascinating read of a young man who flew across deserts and war zones as an RAF photographer. He writes of cities, sandstorms and battles at such breathtaking speed that you a get a real sense that Johnnie saw and did a lot 'up in the blue'.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A8016112

'The Bread of Life' John Pound
This is one of a series of stories given to us by Mr Pound of which this is my favourite. He is a young soldier in Germany just after the war who on his day off shares his lunch with an ex German soldier with extraordinary consequences.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A8004674

'About Mum' Arthur Lowe
Arthur's recollection is one that will be familiar to so many people. His mother watched as six of her eight children marched away to war. It acts as a reminder that heroism and sacrifices were just as great at home as on the battlefield.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A6477447

'A Bit Ear Experience' Eric Atkinson
A short story but always one that makes me smile, as it proves not all war stories are sad and that humour is not lost even when you are a Sergeant in the British Army.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A4488762

'Sam. A POW Story' Arthur Lowe
Another story by this author but one I must mention. It is a poignant tale of defiance and courage by one man who, in his own way, made a difference to so many around him. You read this story and fervently wish you had been lucky enough to know Sam.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A5495682

'Hospitality of Japanese Emperor' Joseph Yates
Joseph is one of the few Japanese POW's we've met who told us of his experiences and after reading his story you understand why so many others remain silent.
www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A5695509