Description
This book is about the way Islay during World War 2 was transformed from a sleepy backwater to an important military base in the Battle of the Atlantic.
In the course of just over two years, military camps were built, radar and radio masts erected, an airfield constructed at Glenegedale and a Flying Boat Squadron established on Loch Indaal. New roads were built and old roads improved to service the needs of a 2000 strong military presence.
It is the stories of the men who served in the armed forces and merchant navy — some of whom paid the ultimate price. An Islay GP who charted his experiences throughout the whole war on European and North African fronts. Women who left the island to nurse the sick and the wounded or to operate battle communications and encode messages. Families who hosted and befriended the military. Children who lived with the fear of submarine attack, dangerous beaches and saw sights that no child should ever see.
World War 2 launched Islay into the 21st century.
All proceeds from the sales of the book will be donated to The Museum of Islay Life
