sections:
The war’ was a defining moment in Britain’s history. The events of 1939-45 made us the nation we are today. It was the People’s War in a way never seen before and it brought out the criminal in our midst. War Crimes looks at the unheroic side of war, of the men, women and children caught up in events beyond their control in a sheer effort to survive.
It focuses on the murderers, like ‘blackout ripper’ Gordon Cummins, the half-breed Canadian August Sangret, the ex-special constable John Christie. It deals with spivs and racketeers who saw a chance to capitalize on the country’s unique misfortunes, the suspected fifth columnists and professional whingers whose very moaning became a crime in the paranoia mentality of ‘fortress Britain’. It examines the impact of American servicemen – ‘over-sexed, over-paid and over here’ who brought racial conflict and nonconformity, which would change us for ever. It looks at the children, fatherless and rootless, who would emerge as the delinquents of the post war ‘Teddy Boy’ era.
Winston Churchill said that this was our finest hour, but during it there were many dark moments which this exciting book exposes.
book reviews
- Britain at War
“…this compelling survey…” - War Books Out Now
“…this book sees the conflict from a whole new perspective and gives us a new insight into the social history of the period. It is a fascinating addition to the historiography of the Second World War and an entertaining read. I recommend it.”
subscribe to agency's newsletter
Andrew Lownie writes a monthly newsletter, which includes details of the Agency's latest news as well as advice for authors. If you would like to receive this free newsletter, please enter your email address in the box below.