While RAF pilots spent every ounce of their energy in trying to hold back the relentless might of the Luftwaffe, many bombers inevitably did get through to drop their deadly loads on the population below.

Air Raid Wardens and Local Defence Volunteers helped head up the army of civilians who became embroiled in the conflict. Nurses, Firemen, Police and Lifeboat crews all played their part. So did girls who joined the Land Army, went to work in armaments factories, became billeting officers or took one of numerous other positions. These needed to be filled while their husbands, fathers or brothers were fighting in the armed forces.

1940s Britain was a whole nation at war and the civilian population was also on the front line...