Wartime Diaries Reveal Civilian, Student, Military Experiences in UK Blitz

Wartime diaries from both World War I and World War II have provided personal insights into the experiences of individuals during these conflicts. The recently published diaries of David Rees Thomas, a Welsh medic in WWI, reveal his travels and duties across the Gallipoli peninsula, Egypt, and Palestine, chronicling both the medical challenges and his unique wartime journey. Similarly, WWII diaries from figures such as John Teague, an RAF wireless operator mechanic, and Mary Newlands, a University of Aberdeen student, show how young people bore significant responsibilities and how daily life and academic pursuits continued despite the war. The diaries also highlight the emotional and social impacts of war, with John Teague’s family gaining a deeper understanding of his experiences through his writings and photographs, and Mary Newlands documenting her social engagements and unusual wartime duties amidst the Blitz. Additionally, accounts from children during the London Blitz, as recounted in the book Blitz Kids, reflect a complex mixture of hardship and resilience, with children finding moments of joy amidst destruction. Collectively, these personal records enrich historical understanding by providing intimate perspectives on the challenges and adaptations faced by individuals during wartime.