This is not a book about the Great War; it is about life during the war. Changes in people's lives: their work, home, food, entertainment and news. Original research material was used including newspapers, to paint a picture of life in the Black Country. Manufacturing was vital; we were well-equipped to supply the engines of war. The region had motor manufacturers who made aero engines, tanks, guns, munitions and much more. Towards the end of the war the Black Country became one huge munitions works! Some of the greatest changes were societal, women's role changed massively. Wider social change involved the first steps towards equality between the sexes. By 1918 women could vote and stand as MPs. At work, women became clerks, tram drivers, munitions workers and more. With so many men away, without women the war could not have been won. In 1916 war came to the Black Country through a Zeppelin raid. Its affect was devastating and impacted widely as restrictions were placed on lighting and other measures to minimise the effects of probable future raids. By 1917 the Black Country had to cope with more wounded from the front line. Hospitals were full and further measures were needed to accommodate our returning injured heroes. Treatment, feeding and entertainment for the wounded are all examined. Indeed, generally food supply was of concern from day one of the war. Prices rose, supply became short, there were riots protesting about 'profiteering' and eventually rationing was imposed. Alcohol supply was strictly controlled, pubs closed for a period during the day, to stop essential workers neglecting their duties. This change illustrates how life in Britain changed; it was the 1980s before this restriction on pub opening hours was finally lifted. By 1917 the war became a marathon, with no end in sight. The Government sought innovative means to raise money and the Black Country played its part in supporting those initiatives. AUTHOR: Michael Pearson retired as a Police Inspector from West Midlands Police in 2010; he worked in both Birmingham and the Black Country. His final years of service were spent working on the National Police Federation. He has long been a keen student of Black Country history, and edits The Blackcountryman, the quarterly journal of the Black Country Society, and also manages the Black Country Society website. He has written many articles on aspects of the Black Country's history. His titles include 'Foul Deeds and Suspicious Deaths around the Black Country' (with David Cox) and 'Tracing Your Black Country Ancestors'.
