Book description
Between May and October 1940, following Hitler's invasion of
western Europe and the evacuation of the Expeditionary Force from
Dunkirk, it was feared that the Germans would invade Britain. Over a
million men volunteered for the Home Guard, beaches were covered with
barbed wire, and pillboxes were scattered across the countryside. But
even amid this frenzy of preparation, many Britons were indifferent to
the perceived threat. In Don't Panic: Britain Prepares for Invasion,
1940, Mark Rowe presents the definitive account of Britain's 'finest
hour'. Using diaries, official documents and many previously
unpublished photographs, he recounts the history of the invasion that
never was, including how Churchill interfered with the defence of
Whitehall, the many false alarms such as the 'Battle of Bewdley', and
the general who boasted his orders were 'grandiloquent bollocks'.
Moreover, it shows how the people of Britain sought to defend their
island against a truly formidable enemy, and how their preparations
arguably prevented the invasion from ever taking place.
