The Black Country Living Museum is an open-air museum of rebuilt historic buildings in Dudley.
Till we meet again.........
We'll Meet Again" is a 1939 British song made famous by singer Vera Lynn. The song is one of the most famous of the Second World War era, and resonated with soldiers going off to fight as well as their families and sweethearts.
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A senior officers uniform - There are many uniforms worn by the armed forces, clearly identifying ranks.
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Women typically wore head scarves & turbans during the 1940's
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Dress colors were cheerful & vibrant from pastel pink, yellow, blue and purple to mint green & gold. During the war fashion as clothes were in short supply and rationed, people were encouraged to 'Make do and mend'. Older clothes were transformed into modern style. Ladies hats came in many shapes, styles and colors.
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The bowler hat & pipe were common place during the 1940's
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In 1940, two million British men aged between 19 - 27 years, who were not working in 'reserved occupations', were ordered to fight. This was known as being "called up". They were trained and sent off to war.
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All photography courtesy Barry Whitehead