Debs at War

How Wartime Changed Their Lives, 1939-1945

By: Anne de Courcy

Narrated by: Rachel Atkins

An extraordinary account - from firsthand sources - of upper-class women and the active part they took in the war.

Pre-war debutantes were members of the most protected, not to say isolated, stratum of 20th-century society: the young (17-20) unmarried daughters of the British upper classes. For most of them, the war changed all that for ever. It meant independence and the shock of the new, and daily exposure to customs and attitudes that must have seemed completely alien to them. For many, the almost military regime of an upper-class childhood meant they were well suited for the no-nonsense approach needed in wartime.

This book records the extraordinary diversity of challenges, shocks, and responsibilities they faced - as chauffeurs, couriers, ambulance-drivers, nurses, pilots, spies, decoders, factory workers, farmers, land girls, as well as in the Women's Services. How much did class barriers really come down? Did they stick with their own sort? And what about fun and love in wartime - did love cross the class barriers?

©2005 Anne de Courcy (P)2021 Tantor

The Secret History of Rich Girls at War

I liked the introduction to a part of society that I know very little about but I happen to know quite a few people who came out of that society or at least they're grandkids.

Frankly, For me, the pre-war section was more interesting than anything else. Because I had no idea upper class and want to be upper class families where that strict with the girls still.

It did help explain a lot of stories of heard and read from American soldiers and airmen stationed in Great Britain during the war. They had a very difficult time getting anywhere with the posh girls and now I understand why.

I wish there had been a little more detail and statistics About these women and their families. Did these women represent one percent of the british population three percent? I have no idea after reading the book. But I'm sure that many middle class families follow the lead of these very wealthy families insofar as they could afford to.

The inside scoop

Written from interviews with some of the most sheltered young women in Britain, this book explores how WWII and the patriotic call for everyone to be of service changed their lives. I think the most striking thing was thinking about how these young "debs" had been raised and finished speaking at least one other language fluently, for some several languages, and how that training ended up so greatly benefiting the counterintelligence services. Things you don't really think about.

Good Listen

Very well read book. Enjoyed the point of view from each woman. Fascinating to think that this was the time that changed it all for women. Definitely recommend :)