Sidmouth: The War Years 1939-1945

Sidmouth: The War Years 1939-1945

Including Sidbury, Sidford and Salcombe Regis

Researched and written by Christine Hardy and Nigel Hyman with John McCarthy, Andrew Rugg-Gunn and Alastair Watson

This account of ‘war at the home front’ in the Sid Valley is drawn from poignant local memories, newspaper articles and national sources. The momentous war years were the most important in the town’s history. The huge influx of evacuees doubled the population. Of those that served overseas there are inspiring military records including details of the 69 men who died.

In Sidmouth, Sidford, Sidbury and Salcombe Regis many became Home Guards, ARP Wardens, Fire Watchers and WVS volunteers. Hotels became RAF training centres. Food and clothing rationing, and fines for blackout infringements were daily realities. The homeless from blitzed cities were given shelter while the valley echoed with air-raid sirens and music from fund-raising events.

Published 2021. 212pp A4 paperback ISBN 978-1-9162134-5-6