Joe Gurney

Greenock in the 1940's Joe Gurney

This book gives an insight into life in Greenock and district, Scotland, during the dark days of the Second World War and the remaining years of the 1940's. For Greenock during that period the population had to suffer bombing from the Luftwaffe, and in defence against the German bombers, Greenock like all towns and cities in the U. K. had to ensure that no lights were given out that could provide indication to the German pilots that they were flying over built-up areas. The blackout caused problems in the town and resulted in many accidental deaths. The citizens also had to put up with a severe shortage of food and rationing was introduced. Clothes were also rationed from June 1941, and that resulted in most people having to make do with what clothes they had. When the war finally came to an end in September 1945, everyone celebrated in the belief that things would quickly get back to normal. However, new roads, new houses, new schools, and new jobs were urgently needed in Greenock. By the time the forties came to a close, there were big plans for the town and the citizens were looking forward to the future with hope and expectation.
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