Swansea and the Second World War

by Bernard Lewis

Swansea's port and industries were key targets for the Nazis during WWII. This book is a testament to life in the town over the course of the conflict, including many personal experiences. A comprehensive overview of the experience of ordinary people, set out in a single volume for the first time.

336 pages, Paperback

Published December 5, 2024

About the author

Bernard Lewis has a Diploma in Local History from the University of Wales (Swansea) and is the author of five books on Swansea/Neath local history, including Swansea and the Workhouse – The Poor Law in Victorian Swansea, Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths Around Swansea and Swansea in the Great War.

Reviews

[Artie LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good book. Unlike many local histories, it is well balanced between the broader picture and the individual anecdote.

My mother was “bombed out” in Swansea. This book gave me a much clearer idea what her family experienced.

I was surprised by the statement on p278 that 87 houses were destroyed. A source is given for this number, from a 2019 publication; but both my personal recollection, and indeed the evidence in this book, would call this into question.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well researched and fascinating read on Swansea during World War Two, the preparation, the devastating blitz attacks and the build up to D Day and victory. You get to see the true impact on the people, some I hadn’t even considered before, but also some incredible decisions made by the defence forces. For anyone interested in history this is book is a must read.