A new book reveals how a quiet riverside town became a wartime hub.
Bewdley at War 1939-1945, by former journalist David Thomas, details the impact of the Second World War on Bewdley.
The town, known for its tranquillity, transformed into a bustling centre of defence against bombings and potential invasions.
The book describes early preparations, including setting up roadblocks, recruiting the Home Guard, and building bomb shelters.
Hundreds of outsiders, including the Free French and American forces, set up bases in the town.
The Free French established a base at Ribbesford, with General de Gaulle visiting the 211 officer cadets, including his son.
The American forces created a 4,000-strong base called Camp Bewdley at Burlish.
They frequented the town's pubs, built a Bailey bridge across the Severn, and staged a baseball match at Aggborough.
The book also highlights the transformation of the carpet industry in Kidderminster, which began manufacturing parts for aero engines, guns, and cartridges.
Mr Thomas said: "Importantly, the war shone a light on the people of Bewdley.
"The book relates the moving stories of those who fought from interviews with their relatives, and tells how the community came together faced with drastic changes to their lives."
The book includes a collection of memories from the home front, detailing experiences in bomb shelters, holidays on barbed-wire beaches, and the taste of whale meat.
Bewdley-born David had a 42-year career in journalism before retiring at the age of 68.
He was a reporter on the Redditch Indicator and the Kidderminster Shuttle in the 1970s before working in London for a news agency based at the Old Bailey. Later he became the Worcester News’ crime reporter.
The book is available on Amazon, with all profits going to Bewdley Historical Research Group.
It will also be sold in Bewdley Museum and Wyre Forest Books later this year.
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