Norman Longmate (1925–2016)

This is an absorbing and chilling alternative history, a look at what Britain might have been like and how British people might have behaved if the Nazis had conquered the country. Its grounding in historical reality is what gives it an added edge - the first four chapters detail established historical events; only then does history change and fiction, albeit logically extrapolated, take over when the Nazis concentrate their firepower on destroying our radar stations and airbases rather than show more bombing our civilian cities, thereby removing the RAF from the equation. From then on, the Nazis have the upper hand, helped on by a dose of good fortune, and the Nazis conquer the south east and take London, Churchill bravely dying in a hail of bullets in the process. The remainder of the book details what might well have happened in an occupied Britain, based largely on what happened in the Channel Islands as the only part of the British Crown under enemy occupation (though with some differences to allow for the different sizes and populations, etc) and partly on what happened in other occupied countries. The result is a chilling depiction of what might have been, especially if the Nazis had carried out their threat to deport all British males between the ages of 17 and 45 (though it should be added they did not do this in any other occupied country, and only threatened to carry it out in the Channel Islands if the Islanders did not behave, instead deporting only those Islanders not born there). Well worth a read and very thought provoking; how thin are the margins between freedom and occupation - thank God for those radars and those pilots! show less

A fairly unique look at the period from 1939 -1945 in Great Britain. Not a story of the RAF or US Army Air Corps or any of the various military units in action at that time but, rather, a view of life for the society as a whole. The accounts of people from all walks of life are incorporated into chapters dealing with discreet slices of life. Air raid shelters, food, education among many others. The author is adept at bringing the different voices into play and keeps a consistent weave of show more events without letting it deteriorate into disconnected points. This is a tricky task that is handled well. Reccommended for history enthusiasts. show less

A bit patchy because so many sources were used, but an eclectically fascinating read.

"Later that afternoon with the Germans already in Trafalgar Square and advancing down Whitehall to take their position in the rear, the enemy unit advancing across St. James 'Park made their final charge. Several of those in the Downing Street position were already dead... and at last the Bren ceased its chatter, its last magazine emptied.

Churchill reluctantly abandoned the machine-gun, drew his pistol and with great satisfaction, for it was a notoriously inaccurate weapon, shot dead the show more first German to reach the foot of the steps. As two more rushed forward, covered by a third in the distance, Winston Churchill moved out of the shelter of the sandbags, as if personally to bar the way up Downing Street. A German NCO, running up to find the cause of the unexpected hold-up, recognised him and shouted to the soldiers not to shoot, but he was too late. A burst of bullets from a machine-carbine caught the Prime Minister in the chest. He died instantly, his back to Downing Street, his face toward the enemy, his pistol still in his hand."

This fascinating view of the proposed German Invasion of Britain in 1940 tells the story of a successful invasion following the defeat of the RAF and Royal Navy. Not hugely strong on actual accuracy, but a stirring patriotic account of what might have been...it would make a great film! show less