THE role of Devon was not without significance to the nation's defences during the second world war — a subject explored in a fascinating book and by social historian Henry Buckton.

In his book 'Devon at War Through Time' the author uses contemporary colour and black and white photographs of military and civilian life in the county, with each picture accompanied with an informative text.

Places highlighted include the American infantry divisions training on Dartmoor; the firing of heavy artillery from Follygate; the important fighter and air sea rescue aircraft base at RAF Harrowbeer, Yelverton and RAF Winkleigh, which was home to servicemen and women of many nations. No mention though of the American forces based at Batten's Farm, near Bere Alston, or the many German, Austrian and Italian prisoners of war that worked on West Devon farms.

During the 1939-1945 war the county was reputedly the most militarised county in the country.

As the author says: 'Just before D-Day every town and village was bursting with American troops preparing to take part in the liberation of occupied Europe.

'But the story of Devon at War begins long before that and in this book we visit places that were affected at different stages of the conflict.'

With many pages dedicated to the German air raids on Plymouth and Exeter, Buckton reflects on 'the crucial part that the county's ports and harbours played in keeping Britain's Navy afloat and at the forefront of operations — particularly as an important stepping stone for land, sea and air forces for Operation Overlord, and the invasion of Normandy in 1944.'

This is a very well produced book with some fascinating photographs of the period.

Also available is a DVD on the same subject presented by the author.

Published by Amberley Publishing of Stroud, Gloucestershire, 'Devon At War — Through Time' by Henry Buckton is available through local bookshops and priced at £14.99. ISBN 9781445 610009.

The DVD is available for £14.95 by calling 01454 321 614, email [email protected]">[email protected] or from the website http://www.1st-take.com">www.1st-take.com

JOHN HUTCHINS