'Ex-Officer, needs work, will do anything' by Adam Powell
Beggars in trench coats became an all-too-familiar scene in interwar Britain. This talk explores the reasons why a 'land fit for heroes' soon became an empty promise. Called by some historians “The Devil’s Decade” the ten years after the end of the Great War saw unemployment levels rarely dip below 1,000,000 and peak at more than 3,000,000 in 1933, a figure representing more than 20% of the working population. Whilst the reasons were complex in the extreme, many who had fought for their country, found the return to civilian life challenging and harsh.
Adam is a history teacher who was inspired to write a book on the plight of WW1 veterans by a local man who, despite being decorated for bravery during the war, lived a life in considerable poverty.
Our November meeting will follow a hybrid format. The ‘live’ presentation will be at our usual venue in Cobham. It will also be available via Zoom. Members of The Western Front Association and non-members are equally welcome in Cobham and online.
To make sure everyone who joins us at Cobham safe please note the following:
(i) We assume those who attend will have been double vaccinated
(ii) Those who feel unwell will not attend
(iii) As always, members will consider the health and welfare of others
(iv) Hand sanitizers will be available at the sign in desk and at the refreshment station
(v) Please pay the donation with the exact money (£3) to save handling cash
(vi) Chairs will be more widely spaced than normal but may be moved if the person(s) you are with are in your ‘bubble’
(vii) Drinks will be served in recyclable cups and the biscuits will be in individual packets.
If you intend attending the meeting in Cobham, please register with Graham Grist at grahamila@googlemail.com
We will Zoom the meeting to those who can’t join us at Cobham. To cover the extra costs of hosting a hybrid meeting we are asking those who join us online to donate £3. If you plan to join us on Zoom, please register with Andy Thompson at andy.ewt@gmail.com who will send the information as to how you can join the Zoom meeting and how to make the £3 donation.
Adam’s talk starts at 8pm. Doors open at Cobham at 7:15pm and the live meeting starts at 7:45pm. Books relating to WW1 and WW2 will be on sale.
You can join the Zoom meeting at any time after 7.30pm to chat to other attendees or to just listen in.