The Girls Who Went to War cover art

The Girls Who Went to War

Heroism, Heartache and Happiness in the Wartime Women's Forces

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The Girls Who Went to War

By: Duncan Barrett, Nuala Calvi
Narrated by: Tania Rodrigues
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About this listen

The personal accounts of three young women who joined up in 1940.

In the summer of 1940, Britain stood alone against Germany. The British Army stood at just over one and a half million men, while the Germans had three times that many, and a population almost twice the size of ours from which to draw new waves of soldiers. Clearly, in the fight against Hitler, manpower alone wasn’t going to be enough.

Eighteen-year-old Jessie Ward defied her mother to join the ATS, Margery Pott signed up for the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, and nanny Kathleen Skin the WRNS. They left quiet homes for the rigours of training, the camaraderie of the young women who worked together so closely and to face a war that would change their lives for ever.

Overall, more than half a million women served in the armed forces during the Second World War. This book tells the story of just three of them – one from the Army, one from the Navy and one from the Air Force. But in their stories are reflected the lives of hundreds of thousands of others like them – ordinary girls who went to war, wearing their uniforms with pride.

©2015 Duncan Barrett and Nuala Calvi (P)2015 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Europe Great Britain Military War England British Army Air Force

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All stars
Most relevant  
Enjoyed this book brought back stories my mom told me of her time in the RAF happy and sad times .

Good listen

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What did you like best about this story?

The stories of each woman is written with great empathy and understanding. It was authentic and well researched. The women each getting a chance to speak about their experiences during difficult times and the comradeship they found were a joy to listen to

Have you listened to any of Tania Rodrigues’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Tania Rodigues' performance had exactly the right tone for the stories she related

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Too many to pick one

Any additional comments?

If you like this ear of history and are interested in a different perspective, that of ordinary women coping in extraordinary circumstances, then this is a good listen

Loved it

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I recommend everyone to read and listen to this story. My nan was in the WRAF(sadly no longer with us) ....these fantastic stories brought my nan back to life. I wish I can thank these ladies in person for what they have done for our country. My eldest daughter in going into the RAF Police next year, so I hope she will have plenty of experience of life like these heroes. Thank you for this wonderful book.

Heart warming...

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This book is another important read, to understand the true difficulties faced during WW2. These women show a remarkable strength of character and unfailing will to survive very difficult situations with courage and grace. I'm not ashamed to say this book made me cry for these women but also to laugh with them too. A fantastic book

Important read

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Have just listened to this book for the 15th time. Super narration. Well written. The narrators voice is very very relaxing.

Love it.

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