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Women at the Ready

The Remarkable Story of the Women's Voluntary Services on the Home Front

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Women at the Ready

By: Robert Malcolmson, Patricia Malcolmson
Narrated by: Patience Tomlinson
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From the summer of 1938, British women from all walks of life joined the Women's Voluntary Services (WVS). This disparate band of women came together for the common good - to help serve and protect their communities. By 1941 a million women had enrolled.

These brave and dutiful women played a vital role in Britain's victory. The positive impact of the WVS on wartime society was universally acknowledged. They were instrumental in implementing the large-scale evacuation of children from bomb-targeted cities, in the care of the wounded, and in keeping those in war service fed. Lady Reading, founder and fearless leader, was one of the most influential women in twentieth-century Britain.

The story of the WVS has never been fully told before. Social historians Patricia and Robert Malcolmson bring this vital part of the Second World War to life in a vivid and engaging way through the diaries and records of the women serving their country on the Home Front. Women at the Ready promises to be a magnificent saga of sacrifice and determination.©2013 Robert Malcolmson 20th Century Europe Modern World War
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Critic reviews

You finish this book full of admiration for the way in which, long before anyone coined the word "sisterhood", British women were able to set aside differences of class, region and religion to pull together for the greater good.
Their "heroic" work, suggest the authors in this fascinating study . . . [was] an advertisement for what voluntary action, backed by government, could do. (Michael Kerrigan)
A good read. Get ready to be inspired by courageous tales from the women who helped us to victory in WWII.
Patricia and Robert Malcolmson bring this vital part of the history of the Second World War to life through the diaries and records of the women serving their country on the Home Front
A detailed, vivid account of an inspirational force for good
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Womaen were fantastic on what they did at this time. Patience Tomlinson is a good narrator. For me this is a listen that I listen a bit then more on another day!

Learning history

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Would you consider the audio edition of Women at the Ready to be better than the print version?

I have not read the print version of this book. The audio edition is however excellent and I have listened to it numerous times and always learnt something new.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Women at the Ready?

These women were truly amazing. The story vividly describes their involvement with the evacuation, setting up canteens during the blitz & providing clothes and furniture for bombed out and displaced people.

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

I have not listened to any of the reader's other performances.

Any additional comments?

Do listen to this book, A wonderful story.

Hugely Informative Book

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