On 3 September 1939 Britain went to war with Hitler’s Germany. In the fight against fascism, broadcasting played a starring role: as informant, morale-booster, propaganda weapon.
This World War Two collection opens up unique oral history archives – featuring men and women on location in the field as well as those on the Home Front - to shed light on how the BBC shaped the experience of war and how war transformed the BBC in return.
Curated by Emeritus Professor David Hendy and Dr Alban Webb, University of Sussex.
"This country is at war"
War was announced on 3 September 1939. But the BBC had been secretly preparing for years, so that broadcasting might carry-on whatever happened.
The 'Bore' War
Newly-released material from the BBC’s archive reveals some of the behind-the-scenes struggles to keep the British people entertained and informed in the early months of the War
The BBC in the Blitz
Broadcasters, like their fellow citizens, were forced to work - and live - under extraordinary conditions.
The Bombing of Broadcasting House
The BBC’s iconic headquarters, Broadcasting House in London, suffered two direct hits in the Blitz – causing widespread damage, several deaths, and many injuries.
