World War II in Moray

Little has been written about Moray and its role in defeating the Axis powers during the Second World War. While remote from the battle scene and Hitler's bombs, Moray nevertheless played an important role as a training ground as well as being in the front line against a possible German invasion from across the North Sea.

Bill Bartlam and Ian Keillar have written a fascinating and important record of wartime activities in Moray and the difficult living conditions which, though considered normal at the time, are almost unimaginable today. Their research led them to all sections of the community and there are chapters dealing not only with the military activities of all three services but also the many civilian organisations which contributed so much to victory. From Civil Defence, the Women's Voluntary Service, the Auxiliary Fire Service, to the Women's Land Army, the authors acknowledge many whose contributions have hitherto been unrecorded. Both Bartlam and Keillar served throughout the war and their writing bears the mark of authority and understanding. The conditions and atmosphere of the period are graphically described, while the text is supported throughout by many contemporary photographs and maps.