Guy Oates (1905-1987): Researching Writing Lives
Whoever may read the following, try and place yourself in the position of the writer, the youngest but one of a family …
Thomas Mclauchlan (1888-1979): War and Memory
Like many of the working-class writers featured on the Writing Lives website, Thomas MacLauchlan lived through the many wars that Britain fought …
Charles Whiten Sanderson (b. 1906-1990.): An Introduction.
‘It is said “Life is what you make it”. I disagree. Life is what other people, and events, make it for you.’ …
Percy Vere (H.V.Smith) (b.1913) War and Memory Part 1
Then I received a letter to report to Bulford Camp as Heavy Goods driver in RASC where I did my Army training …
Thomas Waddicor (b.1906): War and Memory
Thomas Waddicor lives through both World War 1 and World War 2. His experience of World War 1 is nothing more …
Percy Vere (H.V.Smith) (b.1913) War and Memory Part 2
I was returning from one of these trips across Dartmoor when I was tailed by a Red Cap. He said ‘Pull in’; …
Lorna Kite (b. 1916): An Introduction
Imagine the dismay, excitement and uncertainty of going ‘all that way’ into the uncertain future. I bade a tearful farewell to my …
Lorna Kite (b. 1916): Life and Labour.
From the very beginning of Lorna’s memoir of nursing during WW2, the central focus is on her duty: ‘My work always came …
Mary Howitt (1888-1983): Travel and Emigration
‘I have been back twice to England but Bowral always draws me home.’ (3) Mary was one of the many that chose …
Florence Anne Cooter (1912-2004): Life and Labour
John Benson’s The Working Class in Britain 1850-1939 argues that: ‘It would be difficult to overestimate the importance of work in working-class life…Work …