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Harrogate Advertiser

This is a really fascinating read that explores one of the few facets of Britain in World War II that have not yet been explored... Most will find this a very readable book and a riveting read that will spark an interest that may lead to more research. Highly recommended for all interested in secret Britain during this period of history.

Miniature Armoured Fighting Vehicles Association

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Model Engineer, 13th September 2019

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Fliegerblatt, 3/2019

The nicely illustrated volume includes, in addition to the War Rooms in Whitehall, several Churchill-related locations, such as Ditchley House, the little-used Cabinet War Room at Dollis Hill, and “Churchill’s Toyshop” at The Firs.

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Winston Churchill Blog

Observant members of YCDSME will have noticed the traces of Goldsborough Station on the York to Knaresborough line. There is a former signal box of unusual design, much later than the small North Eastern Railway types on this line. There is a large storage facility nearby but no longer rail connected. This was the site of one of forty three cold stores built during the Second World War for the storage of emergency food supplies. It was built in 1941 and like others rail connected but away from population centres considered vulnerable to bombing. It held stores in case submarine warfare further limited food transport across the Atlantic.

A valuable insight into little known aspects of British history.

York Model Engineers

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BRITAIN, May 2019

An interesting facet of the book is that the author had not flinched from including a few aspects of the war effort where those involved may have fallen short of upholding high standards in their work. By not ignoring the ethical question of whether the ends justify the means, the narrative becomes linked to present times when the moral dimensions of conflict are much more publicly debated.

Secret Wartime Britain is a book which can be read as a complete narrative or dipped into chapter by chapter depending on each individual’s interest. It is a fascinating book on first reading and one which would be worth returning to in the future.

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Denise Bates, Author

This is a well-written and meticulously researched book, covering the many places in Britain which supported the war effort. Colin Philpott doesn’t try to discuss all such sites (there were over 8000 after all), but makes an interesting selection, illustrating them with many facts and first-hand accounts from people who worked there. You’ll find some things you’re familiar with, but other places you may have driven past for years without knowing their secret history. You’ll also read that Britain too had secrets it might not be too proud of, for example production of chemical weapons. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in World War Two, and also local history.

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Amazon Customer

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WW2 Today

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Military History Monthly, March 2019

A riveting read, and a tribute to the generations across the world who lived and lost their lives through these devastating times.

This England, March 2019 (Spring)

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Antiques Diary, March/April 2019

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Keighley News (online), 16th January 2019 - words by Alistair Shand

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South Wales Echo, 21st December 2018 – words by Brian Lee

This is the kind of book that might inspire one of those brilliant Channel Four documentaries that could be presented by someone like Tony Robinson or even Michael Portillo. Crammed with fascinating tales of amazing excavations and creations that in some way or other were planned to help Britain to win the second world war, Colin’s book is a revelation, and hugely enjoyable. Boys’ Own Paper stuff in many cases, but absolutely terrific.

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Books Monthly

“a fascinating read in every respect”

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BBC Radio Merseyside, 17/12/18 with presenter Sean Styles

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BBC Three Counties Radio, 17/12/18 with presenter Nick Coffer

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Edinburgh Evening News, 15th December 2018

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Nottingham Post, Bygones 3rd December 2018 – words by Andy Smart

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The Scotsman, 12th December 2018

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BBC Radio Wiltshire, 12/12/18 with presenter James Thomas

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London Live with Katie Pilbeam

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Prospero October 2018

This new 246-page hardback book from Pen & Sword and author Colin Philpott is a real treat. There are a host of individual sites around the British Isles which are included in here and each has a story to tell... A fascinating book and to sum things up, I loved it.

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Military Model Scene, Robin Buckland

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Yorkshire Evening Post, 21st November 2018 - conducted by Chris Bond

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Yorkshire Post (online & print), 21st November 2018 - word by Chris Bond

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Harrogate Advertiser, 15th November 2018 – words by Graham Chalmers

It’s a great read, beautifully illustrated with current and period pictures. Definitely one for those with an interest in the wartime years.

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Scottish Field (online), 22th November 2018 - by Kenny Smith

Scotland's secret wartime past in new book

Scottish Field (online), 20th November 2018

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Worksop Guardian, 16th November 2018 – words by Edward Dingwall

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Wendover News (online), 13th November 2018

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Telegraph & Argus (print), 31st October 2018 - words by Sally Clifford

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BBC Coventry & Warwickshire, 6/11/18 - with presenter Brody Swain

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Mail Online

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BBC Radio York with presenter Jonathan Cowap

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Telegraph & Argus, 31st October 2018 – words by Sally Clifford

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BBC Radio Leeds with presenter Andrew Edwards

An interesting compilation of British locations, some not so secret, that were important to the conduct of the Second World War. Well researched and with useful contemporary and modern photographs, it is a useful addition to the bookshelf.

Michael McCarthy. Battlefield Guide.

Michael McCarthy