Wartime Leicestershire

NOVEMBER ISSUE COVERS BLITZ!
Leicester Chronicle
A Leicester Mercury publication

The November 2010 issue of the Leicester Chronicle features rare photographs and a hitherto unpublished transcript from the Senior Regional Officer's report for the North Midlands Civil Defence Region, revealing first hand insights into the immediate aftermath of the largest raid over Leicester on the night of November 19th 1940.

Cover image the Novermber 2010 edition of the Leicestershire Chronicle

Austin J Ruddy uncovers this recently declassified 'SECRET' document from the depths of the National Archives in Kew, revealing stoically raw information and detail of the immediate aftermath of Leicester's worst night of bombing during the Second World War.

NEW PUBLICATIONS
Baggy Pants & Warm Beer
by Peter Outridge

"Memories of the eventful six-months in 1944 when the 504 Parachute Infantry Regiment of the US 82nd Airborne Division was based in Leicestershire, UK.

In the words of the author: "What I have attempted to do is to tell the story of the five-month period in 1944 when the men of the 504 PIR, battered and bruised from campaigns in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, found themselves neighbours; and in a lot of cases good friends; to

the villagers of Evington, Stoughton and Oadby in Leicestershire, England. It is dedicated to all those who served with the 504 Parachute Infantry Regiment during World War Two."

This title is a rare and most welcome publication to be published, highlighting an often overlooked aspect of the wartime history of Leicestershire during the Second World War. If you would like to To order a copy of this book online, or visit Woodfield Publishing

Produced in softback, 110pages (205 x 290mm) with photographs. ISBN 1-84683-041-9.
Cover price: £10.00

To The Last Round: The Leicestershire and Rutland Home Guard 1940-1945
by Austin J. Ruddy

Austin Ruddy reveals the true story behind the Home Guard. Apart from their well-known infantry role, Home Guards manned anti-aircraft guns and rockets, formed bomb disposal squads and helped train Special Forces units. Women Auxiliaries and boy cadets also served in the force. One further note to add is that this book is based on the Leicestershire and Rutland Home Guard!

This title is the latest publication to be published, revealing fascinating insights into the wartime history of Leicestershire and Rutland. If you would like to To order a copy of this book online,

Produced in hardback, 224pages (240 x 170mm) with 200 illustrations. ISBN 978 1 85983 559 3.
Cover price: £16.99

EVENTS
Wartime air raid shelters rediscovered at Braunstone Hall.

A series of steel-lined tunnels have been discovered by vandals on Braunstone Park, near the Grade II listed Braunstone Hall. Speculation as to their origin is argued, but it's most likely the trenches were created for public use as air-raid shelters during the early stages of the Second World War.

There's genuine fear that public interference with the tunnels may force the City council to take action on health and safety grounds, which may involve the complete destruction of the historical find.

For more info, click here.

Do you have any wartime memories to share?

If you have any memories of living or serving in Leicestershire during the Second World War, feel free to share them with Wartime Leicestershire, on our 'Memoirs' page.

If you wish to submit an account of your own experiences during the war in Leicestershire, please contact Wartime Leicestershire, here.

Hits since 22/8/2001