Home Front Heroism - Civilians and Conflict in Second World War London

Home front heroism investigates how civilians were recognised and celebrated as heroic during the Second World War. Through a focus on London, this book explores how heroism was manufactured as civilians adopted roles in production, protection and defence, through the use of uniforms and medals, and through the way that civilians were injured and killed.

This book makes a novel contribution to the study of heroism by exploring the spatial, material, corporeal and ritualistic dimensions of heroic representations. By tracing the different ways that home front heroism was cultivated on a national, local and personal level, this study promotes new ways of thinking about the meaning and value of heroism during periods of conflict. It will appeal to anyone interested in the social and cultural history of Second World War as well as the sociology and psychology of heroism.

About the author

Ellena Matthews is a historian and civil servant

Product details

• Authors: Ellena Matthews
• Publisher: Ingram Publishers Services
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 23.06.2026
• EAN: 9781526197955
• ISBN: 978-1-5261-9795-5
• No. of pages: 328
• Illustrations: Illustrationen, nicht spezifiziert
• Series: Cultural History of Modern War
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; London, Greater London, HISTORY / Military / General, HISTORY / Social History, Social & cultural history, 20th century history: c 1900 to c 2000, Second World War, Social and cultural history, c 1938 to c 1946 (World War Two period), c 1939 to c 1945 (including WW2), Other Warfare & Defence Issues, History / Wars & Conflicts / World War II / European Theater, Non-combatants / impact of war on civil society