The most momentous decade in London's colourful history was one of huge contrast
s. The war provided a heady brew of fear, bravery, stoicism, cowardice and crime
, set to a background of popular music from Glenn Miller and Vera Lynn. To some,
London was vibrant and exciting, but even during the war years it was still div
ided by class and wealth.
While the privileged few enjoyed the relative comfo
rt of the capital's swankiest hotels, thousands of Londoners sheltered each nigh
t on the platforms of the underground. London witnessed the effects of internmen
t, shrugged off the Blitz and was overwhelmed by an invasion of GIs. And even wh
en victory was in sight, the terrifying Buzz Bombs arrived.
After the war ser
vicemen returned home as strangers, often to resentful wives and some to unexpec
ted additions to the family. A royal wedding and the 1948 Olympics brought some
cheer, but continued grinding austerity caused resentment, and the Labour govern
ment introduced radical social legislation. The first influx of West Indian immi
grants was welcomed by graffiti demanding 'Keep Britain White'.
With the help
of people who lived through these traumatic times, Mike Hutton vividly recreate
s through stories and memories the atmosphere of a London that is so far removed
from the London of today, but that points the way forward to a more prosperous
future.
