NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE IN THE GREAT WAR

The proud tradition of military service in the region was reflected in the huge numbers of Newcastle men and women who came forward to serve in the military or in nursing. The city was the recruitment centre and driving force for the formation of numerous Pals Battalions and the Northumberland Fusiliers, which raised more battalions than any other regiment during the war. With the large number of troops stationed in and around the area, and its position as a major industrial city, Newcastle focussed on armaments production, shipbuilding and heavy engineering, and the realities of the war prominently felt. The city played a key role in the nation's war effort and was a key port and the nation's major exporter of coal, a vital link in keeping the war effort going. For those left behind, the war was a time of fear and hardship. This book documents their struggle in coping with rising wartime crisis, longer working hours, endless worry, wartime policies and severe shortages. Here is superb local detail about sport, in particular football, the sacrifices made during the visit of a dignitary such as the King on a two day tour on 19th May, fundraising efforts, firemen, trade organisations, trade restrictions and exports particularly on many dyes previously imported from Germany, staff shortages on the extensive tram network. Business casualties were extremely heavy, and here are recognised the efforts of so many differing manufacturers and merchants based in the city for the war effort, the many merchant vessels sunk resulting in large orders for some of the Newcastle-based shipbuilders, and a look at crime and corruption. With interesting archive photographs reproduced to the best possible quality, 192pp in large softback.