Living in the Shadow of WWII

The most fundamental need of a society is a reliable food supply. During WW2, every combatant nation introduced a form of rationing, but that was only the start of keeping the population fed. From substitute ingredients and ersatz recipes to digging-up golf courses and football pitches to increase agricultural output - we see the memories of those who queued, scrounged and dug for victory.

Total war extends the battlefields - in the Second World War, for the first time, civilian casualties far outnumbered those of military personnel. A significant proportion were victims of the bombing campaigns by both sides. What was the effect of living through "the Blitz", what precautions were taken, what forms of shelter were constructed? We hear and see stories of the evacuation.

Every nation involved in the Second World War recognized that the morale of the population was vital. Everywhere a great effort was made to offer entertainment, diversion and the reassurance that the cause was just and victory certain. Radio and cinema were great mass communicators. We see some of the performers and productions that helped to lighten the darkness of living in the shadow of war.