The Post Office Went to War : Ian Hay : His Majesty's Stationery Office : London : 1946 : end paper 1
Many governmental organisations in the post-WW2 years published a popular and accessible history of wartime endeavours and service and this, written by Ian Hay, is the story of the Post Office. The Post Office was responsible for a multitude of public services ranging from the operation of Post Offices, the collection and delivery of the mail, the telegram and telephone services. These were all vital infrastructure in wartime conditions where the growth in demand for services was enormous - both at home and, in the theatres of war, abroad. The sacrifice of staff is covered as they often worked in the most trying of circumstances. The record of development and repair, such as of exchanges and cables due to damage, is described and some of the work of the vitally important Research Station at Dollis Hill is described.
The cover, that includes this wrapped round letter of thanks from the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe, is a bold graphic showing the various methods of transport used by the Post Office and is signed 'AMC'. This is, I am sure, the 'Coombs' who signs the two rather fine endpaper illustrations that show Post Office staff going about their varied duties. In pre-war years the Post Office had an often adventurous style of publicity and these illustrations are redolent of that period in their style.
The Post Office Went to War : Ian Hay : His Majesty's Stationery Office : London : 1946 : end paper 1
Many governmental organisations in the post-WW2 years published a popular and accessible history of wartime endeavours and service and this, written by Ian Hay, is the story of the Post Office. The Post Office was responsible for a multitude of public services ranging from the operation of Post Offices, the collection and delivery of the mail, the telegram and telephone services. These were all vital infrastructure in wartime conditions where the growth in demand for services was enormous - both at home and, in the theatres of war, abroad. The sacrifice of staff is covered as they often worked in the most trying of circumstances. The record of development and repair, such as of exchanges and cables due to damage, is described and some of the work of the vitally important Research Station at Dollis Hill is described.
The cover, that includes this wrapped round letter of thanks from the Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in Europe, is a bold graphic showing the various methods of transport used by the Post Office and is signed 'AMC'. This is, I am sure, the 'Coombs' who signs the two rather fine endpaper illustrations that show Post Office staff going about their varied duties. In pre-war years the Post Office had an often adventurous style of publicity and these illustrations are redolent of that period in their style.