During the Second World War 2,549 service men and women from Portsmouth were killed in their various wartime occupations. Now this book uncovers their stories; stories that have never been told before: a bomb disposal petty officer awarded the George Cross; a 16-year-old paratrooper; a Battle of Britain hero; men killed in battleships, submarines, bombers and tanks throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
By using database software, an analysis of all 2,549 casualties has been possible, allowing the author to look at statistics, such as their age and where in the area they came from. Although a touching exploration of the stories of individuals and units, the extra length that Daly had gone to in his research has made it possible for the reader to build a picture of the effect that the Second World War had on people of Portsmouth and the community at large.
JAMES DALY is a history graduate with a lifelong interest in military history. Daly’s interest in military history was sparked by tracing the story of his grandfather was an Arnhem veteran. Having worked for many years in local museums and libraries, the author runs a popular blog looking at military history and modern news items, and also reviews military history books.
Daly also gives talks on local, family and military history groups.