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Watford Observer: Watford in the 20th Century Vol 2 Cover

The second volume of the series Watford in the 20th Century picks up the story in 1939, as Britain prepares for war.

The publication then reflects on the role south west Hertfordshire played during the conflict and how if fared in the years leading up to 1960.

Read how those living in Watford, Bushey, Radlett, Rickmansworth, Chorleywood, Kings Langley, Abbots Langley and the surrounding towns and villages coped with such a tumultuous time in our nation’s history.

Following the successful first book covering the years 1900 to 1939, the much-anticipated second in the series of Watford in the 20th Century takes an in-depth look at south west Hertfordshire from 1939 to 1959.

The 196-page publication examines how the Second World War came to the locality, from the Blitz to the Sandringham Road VI disaster; from making Mosquitos in Garston from the trees in Whippendell Woods to grilling top-notch Nazi captives - it all happened in south west Hertfordshire… and there was much, much more.

Watford Observer: Watford in the 20th Century, Vol 2

This was followed by the restrictions of the late 1940s, as rationing, power cuts and the 1947 winter bit deep into the resolve of those who had survived the rigours and traumas of war.

Then came the 1950s, the sunny uplands by comparison to the previous decade, when the workforce of this corner of the county began a 12-year period in which they could say then and can claim truthfully in retrospect:Watford Observer: Watford in the 20th Century, Vol 2 “Really, we never had it so good”.

Based on our previous series of decade supplements, Watford in the 20th Century Volume 2 contains updated material, features and many recollections from our readers, mined from our popular Nostalgia Page.

We also take a look at some of the high streets of yesteryear before they ceased to be the hub of the community.

Watford Observer: Watford in the 20th Century, Vol 2

Researched and written by Oliver Phillips, the former assistant editor of the Watford Observer has added his own and the memories of contemporaries from the era in which Britain won the War but lost the Peace.

The publication includes many of the best photographs taken during this 21-year, pivotal period in the history of south west Hertfordshire.

Watford Observer: Watford in the 20th Century, Vol 2

Together it provides a fascinating insight into an era that remains within living memory for many of our readers and is the perfect companion for our first publication in the series covering the years 1900 to 1939.

Price: £5.00 + P&P

Please order using the link below:

Watford in the 20th Century Vol 2

Watford in the 20th Century is also available at the following select outlets.

  • Rymans, intu centre, Watford
  • Bartholomews, Bedmond
  • Wards, South Oxhey
  • The Pond Post Office, Watford
  • Carpenders Nursery, Carpenders Park
  • Watford Museum
  • WH Smith, Rickmansworth
  • Van Hage garden centre, Chorleywood
  • Newsbit, 107 Villiers Road, Oxhey
  • Londis, Croxley Green
  • Jameson News, The Parade, Delta Gain, South Oxhey
  • Chorleywood Bookshop, New Parade
  • Bushey Museum, Rudolph Road

Watford Observer: Watford in the 20th Century Vol 2