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To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and life in Britain in 1944, ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ History Magazine has put together four study days in Glasgow, Durham, London and Manchester to explore one of the most significant events of the Second World War. The days will not only look at the military significance of Operation Overlord and why the Allies were eventually successful, but will also examine what life was like on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Front. Our expert speakers will discuss Churchill’s speeches and war propaganda, cinema and radio, costume and fashion and food and rationing.

Topics covered in the talks

1. The D-Day Landings and their Impact on the Future of the War. The lecture outlines the main events of Operation Overlord, for which British troops had been preparing for three years. It will describe the preparations involved as well as how and why the Allies were eventually successful. This single day is seen as one of the three most significant events of the Second World War in Europe because of its impact on the future course of the war. In terms of Britain’s wider strategic prospects, 6th June 1944 was clearly the most important 24-hour period of this five-year conflict. Response to this event on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Front will also be briefly examined.

2. Churchill’s Speeches and War Propaganda. This lecture looks at the use of oratory during the war, focussing on several of Winston Churchill’s greatest speeches. It also analysis the government propaganda of the period and how the war and particularly D-Day was represented to the people and how the media reported the event.

3. Cinema and Radio in World War Two. Cinema and radio were two of the principal mediums of information and entertainment during World War Two and played a vital role in the maintenance of morale. This lecture assesses the role, nature and effectiveness of different aspects of cinema and radio during this period and how they provided encouragement and escapism for a troubled nation. It will also look at favourite British films and radio programmes such as Henry V, The Way Ahead and ITMA, which rivalled Churchill’s speeches in popularity.

4. Costume of the Second World War. This lecture will assess the effect of clothing rationing on Britons during the war when the State dictated what you could purchase and how much. It will look at Utility Clothing, civilian and military dress styles, and give an insight into the creativity with which the wartime population circumvented clothing regulations and learned to love khaki.
Note: This lecture will not be given in London

5. Food and Rationing on the ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Front. A look at what a hungry nation ate and drank during this time of rationing and food shortages. It will focus on the drudgery of juggling coupons, queuing and cooking with such a limited range of ingredients while ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½â€™s Kitchen Front programme, magazines and government propaganda tried to boost morale and confidence with suggestions of food hints and recipes. Would D-Day bring any relief now that victory was surely around the corner? The speakers will also bring along examples of some ration-sized staple foods.

The events will run from 9.30pm to 4.30pm and will take place in Glasgow, Durham, London and Manchester. Click on the links below to find out more details. Tickets to the events cost £59 including refreshments; lunch is not included. Please call VF Enterprises on 01225 319161 to book tickets.