Neil R. Storey – författare

In spring 1940 Hitler unleashed his blitzkrieg, and as the British Expeditionary Force fell back to Dunkirk Britain was in imminent danger. In response to the threat of enemy paratroopers, Anthony Eden, Secretary of State for War made a radio appeal on 14 May 1940 for men 'who were for one reason or another not at present engaged in military service, and who wish to do something for the defence of their country' to join a new force named The Local Defence Volunteers. The men of Britain answered the call, not in hundreds as anticipated, but in thousands. Over 250,000 signed up in the first 24 hours and thousands more followed. Badly equipped and with no more uniform than an armband, the organisation was taken under the wing of Winston Churchill in July 1940 and re-christened The Home Guard. This book tells the Home Guard's story, using original training manuals, photographs, and memoirs, and covers all aspects of their history.

As millions of young men marched off to war, they left behind mothers, wives, sisters, and sweethearts who were determined to contribute to the British cause. Women enrolled as nurses to treat wounded soldiers, and over 700,000 became workers in factories making munitions. Women also took on hundreds of jobs formerly done by men, such as bus conductors and billposters. Later in the war women were accepted into the armed services, serving behind the lines as auxiliaries. This book looks at the realities and the myths of the role of women in the war effort. Illustrated with archive photographs, this is an ideal introduction for anyone wanting to know more about the vital role played by women in the First World War.

As the world became embroiled in the second global conflagration in just over two decades, the women of Britain once more answered the call of duty. Many of the first volunteers had served in the Great War and now they offered their services again – this time bringing their daughters with them. During World War II women proved themselves indispensable to the war effort, serving in both military units abroad and in home-front organisations through the darkest hours of the Blitz. Illustrated with contemporary black-and-white and some rare colour photographs, documents and ephemera, this poignant and moving book tells the stories of these women.

From gaslit city streets to dark wooded estates, crime was rife in Victorian Britain; through a wide array of historical court records, newspaper accounts and prison books, The Victorian Criminal gives a fascinating overview of those involved in it. Within these pages may be found accounts of petty criminals and poachers, baby farmers and notorious murderers, along with stories of the development of detective forces and forensic techniques. Countless novels, plays and films are testament to an enduring fascination with the dark aspects of the time and place that gave us Sherlock Holmes, Wilkie Collins and the great works of Charles Dickens.

In the skies above south-east England in 1940, battle was waged between the men and machines of the Royal Air Force and Hitler's Luftwaffe. At stake was air superiority, and the Germans intended this to be a first step in the invasion of Britain. Squadrons of Hurricanes and Spitfires – then among the best and most modern fighter aircraft in the world – took on the threat and, over a period of months, defeated the Luftwaffe, which ultimately withdrew. This fully illustrated history looks at the origins and events of the battle, but focuses especially on the men and women of the RAF and on the ordinary people of the nation, above whose heads the great battle for freedom was waged.

A colourfully illustrated history of the Women's Suffrage movement, which eventually gained the vote for all British women in 1918.The popular image of a women's suffrage activist is a stoical woman chained to railings or committing criminal acts to attract publicity for the cause. While such women as Emmeline Pankhurst and Emily Wilding Davison embody this image, these militant 'Suffragettes' of the Women's Social and Political Union were in fact a small part of a wider movement that operated mainly through peaceful means. Molly Housego and Neil Storey here trace the evolution of the women's suffrage movement from its emergence in the nineteenth century, through the various divisions that emerged over how to conduct the campaign, to its apogee before the First World War – an event that highlighted the abilities of British women and helped to gain them the vote in 1918.

A history of the women who worked the Land and the organisation of the Women's Land Army in the Second World War.When war broke out in 1939, the Women's Land Army (WLA) was already organised and ready for action. Women who had served in the WLA in the First World War returned to service with their daughters, ready to fill in for the male labourers sent abroad to fight: livestock was tended, fields were ploughed, harvests were reaped and everything possible was done to keep Britain self-sufficient. Neil R. Storey and Molly Housego here tell the story of the Women's Land Army – how it was organised, what its members did, what training was provided, and the work of the Timber Corps of the WLA, also known as the 'Lumber Jills'. Colourful illustrations of women at work, their uniforms and insignia bring to life the experiences of the ladies who helped keep Britain fed during the Second World War.

The burden of the Great War was not shouldered by soldiers alone: the tasks, the camaraderie, the day-to-day life and the devastation were all shared with the animals that accompanied the forces abroad.The horses that took part in the last cavalry charges or hauled heavy guns are the most famous examples, but were far from alone: pigeons carried vital messages, dogs sniffed out wounded soldiers, camels were used as beasts of burden in the desert, and even ships’ cats and baby orang-utans had their parts to play.From noted historian Neil R. Storey, this book looks at all the practical ways in which animals were essential to the war effort, but is equally interested in their roles as companions, mascots and morale boosters – on land, in the air and at sea.

Did you know? - On 15 November 1892 as Dr Neill Cream dropped through the gallows trap at Newgate he declared 'I'm Jack the ...'. (Cream was in prison in America at the time the Ripper murders were committed) - In November 1887 there was a pitch battle in Trafalgar Square between those so poor they took to camping there and 2,000 policemen and soldiers. The event became known as 'Bloody Sunday'. - In December 1884 after bombs had been successfully detonated near Trafalgar Square and Scotland Yard a terrorist dropped another over one of the parapets of London Bridge and only succeeded in killing himself. - By the mid-nineteenth century the graveyards of London became so full a vast cemetery was established at Woking in Surrey. Opened in 1854 and known as Brookwood Cemetery or The London Necropolis it was even served by its own railway - the Necropolis Light Railway where the deceased's last one-way ticket could even be bought in first, second or third class. Neil Storey macabre calendar chronicles the darker side of life in the London between 1870 and 1900.Murderers and footpads, pimps and prostitutes, riots, rebels, bizarre funerals, disaster and peculiar medicine all feature. The book will be illustrated with engravings, newspaper reports, photographs and original documents.

In this latest volume by Neil R. Storey we encounter some of the personalities, folklore, events, disasters, heroes and villains that have become interwoven into the rich tapestry of Norfolk's coastal past.

Contained within the pages of this book are the stories behind some of the most notorious murders in Norfolk's history. The cases covered here record the county's most fascinating but least known crimes as well as famous murders that gripped not just Norfolk but the whole nation. From the Burnham Poisoners of 1835 to the Yarmouth Beach Murders, from the Costessey Horror to the 'last judicial beheading in England', this is a collection of the county's most dramatic and interesting criminal cases.

In 1907, H.G. Wells published a science fiction novel called The War in the Air. It proved to be portentous. In the early years of the First World War, German lighter-than-air flying machines, Zeppelins, undertook a series of attacks on the British mainland. German military strategy was to subdue Britain, both by the damage these raids caused and by the terrifying nature of the craft that carried them out. This strategy proved successful. The early raids caused significant damage, many civilian casualties and provoked terror and anger in equal measure. But the British rapidly learnt how to deal with these futuristic monsters. A variety of defence mechanisms were developed: searchlights, guns and fighter aircraft were deployed, the British learnt to pick up the airships’ radio messages and a central communications headquarters was set up. Within months aerial strategy and its impact on the lives of civilians and the course of conflict became part of human warfare. As the Chief of the Imperial German Naval Airship Division, Peter Strasser, crisply put it: ‘There is no such thing as a non-combatant any more. Modern war is total war.’ Zeppelin Blitz is the first full, raid-by-raid, year-by-year account of the Zeppelin air raids on Britain during the First World War, based on contemporary official reports and documents.

Norwich is a city that has seen it all. Its citizens have been murdered with poisoned dumplings, royalty and rogues have walked the same cobbled streets, and rioters have mustered outside its city gates. Quirky details and local anecdotes abound as this jam-packed compendium explores the UK’s most easterly city, from its earliest origins to the present day. Looking at conflicts, sports, entertainment, traditions and all that makes Norwich special, this book will entertain and enthrall all those looking for some frivolous facts about this marvellous city.

The Little Book of Suffolk is a repository of intriguing, fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts and trivia about one of England's most colourful counties. It is an essential to the born and bred Suffolk folk or anyone who knows and loves the county. Armed with this fascinating tome the reader will have such knowledge of the county, its landscape, people, places, pleasures and pursuits they will be entertained and enthralled and never short of some frivolous fact to enhance conversation or quiz! A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets and the enduring fascination of the county. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.

Norwich in the Second World War is the story of the city and its people, both civilian and military, from the construction of the first air raid shelters in 1938 through to VE Day in 1945 and the return of Far Eastern prisoners of war in 1946.Featuring first-hand accounts of what happened when enemy bombers raided the city, notably during the notorious Baedeker Blitz of 1942, rare photographs and documents make this book a must for anyone who knows and loves the city of Norwich.

Prisons and Prisoners In Victorian Britain provides an illustrated insight into the Victorian prison system and the experiences of those within it - on both sides of the bars. Featuring stories of crime and misdeeds, this fascinating book includes chapters on a typical day inside a Victorian prison - food, divine service, exercise and medical provision; the punishments inflicted on convicts - such as hard labour, flogging, the treadwheel and shot drill; and an overview of the ultimate penalty paid by prisoners - execution. Richly illustrated with a series of photographs, engravings, documents and letters, this volume is sure to appeal to all those interested in crime and social history in Victorian Britain.

Around Norwich is not just another book on this fine city. Combining many previously unpublished photographs of outstanding quality and interest with well-researched captions, including many new facts and stories, one of the county's foremost local historians has created a fascinating narrative of the city, suburbs, people, shops and events of the past. Some images will be reassuringly familiar, some have changed or are lost beyond recollection. In one of its most turbulent centuries, the city has lived through the coming of the trains and the tram system, the Baedeker Blitz of 1942 and the construction of the inner link roads in the 1960s. It also takes a look at some of the sports and entertainment; from Norwich City FC playing at 'The Nest' to The Hippodrome Theatre. This book will be an enduring and nostalgic record, of interest to anyone who knows and loves the City of Norwich.

A Grim Almanac of Lincolnshire is a day-by-day catalogue of 365 ghastly tales from around the county dating from the twelfth to the twentieth centuries. Full of dreadful deeds, macabre deaths, strange occurrences and heinous homicides, this almanac explores the darker side of Lincolnshire’s past. This compilation contains such diverse tales of highwaymen, smugglers, giants, hangmen, poachers, witches, rioters and rebels, as well as accounts of old lock-ups, prisons, bridewells and punishments. All these, plus tales of murder, suicide, mysterious deaths, accidents by land, sea and air, and much more, are here. If you have ever wondered about what nasty goings-on occurred in the Lincolnshire of yesteryear, then look no further — it’s all here, and if you have the stomach for it, then read on... if you dare!

This is the story of those who ended up on the end of the hangman’s rope at Norwich Castle Prison, Norwich City Prison on Earlham Road and the later Victorian Norwich Prison on Knox Road. The executions included in this book range from some of the earliest recorded in the county during the thirteenth century, then down the years including two gallows survivors and the execution of Kett and many of his rebels in 1549, to the last execution conducted in the county in 1951, when two young men went to the gallows for separate incidents but having committed the same crime — they both murdered their pregnant sweethearts. Recorded here are executions for a host of forgotten cases and a cornucopia of crimes as diverse as highway robbery, housebreaking, riot, arson and theft of livestock. Norwich was the location for the hangings of such notorious criminals as Frances Billing and Catherine Frary ‘The Burnham Poisoners’ — the last public double execution and last women to hang in the county; James Blomfield Rush, the Stanfield Hall Murderer; William Sheward, the murderer who confessed almost eighteen years after the murder and dismemberment of his wife; and Herbert Bennett, the Yarmouth Bootlace Murderer who may, or may not, have been guilty of his crime. Norwich Castle Prison was also the scene of one of the most infamous incidents in the history of British hangings and recalled with trepidation by all executioners who came after as ‘The Goodale Mess’.

Discover the darker side of Norfolk with this remarkable collection of true-life crimes from across the county. Featuring tales of some of the most notorious, nefarious and murderous characters from the county’s past, including pirates, smugglers, highwaymen, poachers, thieves, murderers and bodysnatchers, all factions of the criminal underworld are included in this macabre selection of tales. Drawing on a wide variety of historical sources and containing many cases which have never before been published, Norfolk Villains will fascinate everyone interested in true crime and the history of Norfolk.

The Little Book of Norfolk is a repository of intriguing, fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts and trivia about one of England’s most colourful counties. It is an essential to the born and bred Norfolk folk or anyone who knows and loves the county. Armed with this fascinating tome the reader will have such knowledge of the county, its landscape, people, places, pleasures and pursuits they will be entertained and enthralled and never short of some frivolous fact to enhance conversation or quiz! A reference book and a quirky guide, this can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something new about the people, the heritage, the secrets and the enduring fascination of the county. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for visitors and locals alike.

The Little Book of Murder is a chilling compendium of intriguing, obscure and strange facts and trivia about murders and murderers from around the world. From infamous cases and serial killers, to unusual murder weapons and crime scene investigations, this book is sure to make you sit up and say, ‘I never knew that!’ A reference book and a quirky guide, this volume can be dipped in to time and time again to reveal something new about the murderers, the victims, the people who write about crime, and the advances in scientific detection. A remarkably engaging little book, this is essential reading for true crime and crime fiction fans alike.

This little gem of a book is a repository of intriguing, fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts and trivia about Britain and all the things that have made it great. Within this volume are such themes as myths and legends, traditions and customs, great Britons and great British places, while not forgotten is a celebration of the best of British music, food, entertainment and sport and a host of topics that explore the more eccentric and eclectic people and things that contribute to and define Great Britain. Despite being a relatively small collection of islands, there is always something new, fascinating, frivolous or even bizarre to discover about Great Britain – you will find much of it here.Did You Know?There is no location in Britain which is more than 74½ miles from the sea.The first person in Britain to be convicted of speeding was Walter Arnold of Kent, who in 1896 was fined 1s plus costs for driving at a breakneck 8mph.Britain has some thoroughly unusual pub names, including: The Bucket of Blood in Phillack, Cornwall, The Honest Lawyer in Folkestone and The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn in Stalybridge – which also enjoys the honour of having Britain’s longest pub name.Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a well-known corgi fan. She has owned no fewer than 30 during her reign, the first being Susan, who was given to her in 1944.

This little book is a repository of intriguing, fascinating, obscure, strange and entertaining facts and trivia about the one certainty in all our lives - death. Within this volume are some horrible, unfortunate and downright ludicrous ends. Find out what body parts of the departed great and famous are still with us (and, in some cases, what they sold for). Learn of odd last requests, burials, epitaphs and death rites from around the world, as well as the strange fates of some cadavers – and a whole host of horrible tales about mummies, vampires, zombies, auto-icons and body-snatchers. Anyone brave enough to read this book will be entertained and enthralled and never short of some frivolous fact to enhance a conversation or quiz! With 50 chilling illustrations, get out of your crypt and buy it whilst you can!

North Walsham & District: A Second Selection takes another look back at the changing face of one of Norfolk’s finest old market towns and its neighbouring settlements. More than 200 photographs, many previously unpublished, record nearly 100 years of the people and places which make up the rich history of the district. Businesses and trades, schools and churches, streets and lanes are all featured. Some images will be familiar to those who know the area today: sadly others record places now gone forever.Neil R. Storey, one of the county’s best-known historians and ;local boy;, has combined memories of local characters with tales factual and anecdotal to produce informative captions which evoke a way of life now long gone. He records everyday events as well as major landmarks from the last century including celebrations marking Queen Victoria’s jubilee, an outside broadcast for the coronation of King George VI and the disruption caused by war. The collection of pictures paints a fascinating historical portrait of this ancient town and district which lies 'Betwixt Poppyland and Broadland'.

Many of us have at least one ancestor who served in the British Army during the Second World War. We probably know where they served and what regiment they served with but we are not aware of exactly how they became soldiers.The British Soldier: Training for War focuses on those who became infantry soldiers, commandos and paratroopers and the training they received in the British Isles to fight 'at the sharp end' of combat all over the world during the years 1939 to 1945.Drawing on contemporary training manuals, battalion histories, magazines and newspaper articles, personal memoirs, regimental museum archives, declassified military files and interviews with those who experienced wartime military training first-hand, a vivid and authentic account is presented of training from 'square bashing' and skill at arms to the evolution of battle schools, assault courses, battle drill and significant training exercises.All infantrymen were trained hard but it gave them the skills, fighting spirit, endurance and confidence they needed in themselves, their comrades and their unit when in battle. By the end of the Second World War, nearly three million men had served in the British Army. Every one of them had to be trained to become soldiers. This is their story.

PC George William Gutteridge was a well-liked and respected village policeman for Stapleford Abbotts in rural Essex, where he lived with his wife and two young children. While on his beat out on a lonely country road in the early hours of the morning of 27 September 1927, he was gunned down in one of the most horrific and callous killings of a police officer in the history of British law enforcement.It had been PC Gutteridge's misfortune to stop a stolen car containing hardened career criminals, Frederick Guy Browne and William Kennedy. Neither had any respect for the police, and neither was afraid to use extreme violence to evade capture. What ensued was one of the biggest manhunts Britain had ever seen.The murderers were brought to justice by a masterpiece of detective work by Scotland Yard, and their arrest required the skill and bravery of officers from a number of police forces. Drawing on Home Office and police files along with a host of contemporary newspaper reports and long-forgotten memoirs, Neil R. Storey provides a vivid account of the case and, in doing so, presents a darkly fascinating insight into Britain's underworld during the roaring 1920s.

The naked and frozen body of Norah Fornario (33) was discovered lying on a roughly hewn cross on the ground, far from her London home, in the wilds of the remote Hebridean island of Iona in November 1929. The doctor declared she had simply died of exposure, officially, no regard was paid to the strange circumstances under which she had been found, no post-mortem was carried out, no inquest was ordered and there was no major police investigation.Award-winning historian Neil Storey investigates the case and throws new light on the life and mysterious death of Norah Fornario in a gripping story akin to the plot of an Agatha Christie murder mystery novel blended with one of the darkest stories of the occult by Dennis Wheatley. A story that involves the notorious occultist Aleister Crowley, 'The Wickedest Man in the World,' elite secret societies in London, an 'occult college' in the Home Counties, mystical Glastonbury, vampires, demons, fairy folk, and curses set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s. A story that culminates on a remote Scottish island where folklore and superstition were still believed and feared, and an apparent case of murder by black magic … or was it?

The Royal Norfolk Regiment had a fighting record second to none. Five members of the Regiment were awarded the Victoria Cross, the greatest number to any Line Infantry Regiment during the Second World War.1st Battalion landed on Sword Beach on D-Day and fought with distinction through France, Holland and Germany2nd Battalion was the first complete infantry battalion of the British Expeditionary Force to land in France in 1939. Members of this battalion earned the first gallantry decorations of the war. Tragically, 97 men of this battalion were massacred at Le Paradis during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940. The battalion was rebuilt and fought in Burma and the hellish Battle of Kohima.4th, 5th and 6th Battalions fought doggedly at Singapore but after the surrender of the island in 1942, spent the rest of the war as Japanese Prisoners of War on the infamous 'Death Railway' and forced labour camps.7th Battalion fought in France in 1940. Only fifty men made it back, but the battalion was rebuilt and returned again to fight in Normandy in 1944.Drawing on the diaries, memoirs and memories of those who were there, this book is a fitting tribute to the brave men of The Royal Norfolk Regiment.