What Was Land Worth?

WW2 and the New Forest. What Was Land Worth? What Was New Forest Life Like During World War TwoBy [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tina_Norman]Tina Norman
During World War Two and Britains fight against Hitler and his advancing forces, it was soon realised that the New Forest could play a vital role both strategically and geographically.
It was ideally located as part of the New Forest extends to the sea making it hugely important to launch close attacks on France. Extensive woodland meant it would be easy to hide all preparations from air and land view until attack was scheduled.
The D Day LandingsA vast army lived, planned, trained and assembled for the D day landings and the impacton the people of the New Forest was tremendous. The British Government realised thatdue to its location, it would be possible to not only hide armies within the forest butto also have fighter and bomber bases as close to the front line as possible. So, the New Forest became a prime preparation area for D Day.
There were 12 airfields at
East BoldreCalshotChristchurchIbsleyHurnBeualieuHolmsley SouthStoney CrossBisterneLymingtonNeeds OarInkton Each of these strategic sites has many fascinating World War Two stories to tell.
Some can still be seen in the New Forest today, and Ibsley actually has an annual open day - we were there once when a Spitfire flew over.
What impact did WW2 have on the people of the New Forest?
What sort of an impact and upheaval did the onset of the Second World War haveon the people of the New Forest and the surrounding areas? and what affect did all this have on the local inhabitants? The answer has to be it was life changing.
The New Forest in the 1930s was not a rich area. It was a struggle tosurvive for the Commoners who did not have access to vast acres of richfarmland to grow crops or raise their animals.
As the armies moved in and wanted land, so the commoners were offeredmoney for their land. Initially 2 shillings an acres! this is the equivalenttoday of 10pence - probably one slice of bread from a decent loaf!This paltry amount was offered to commoners around Beaulieu and Holmsley South.
Negotiations resulted in 4 shillings per acre being offered around the Stoney Crossarea but this was reduced to 2shillings and 6pence as the Air Ministry decided commonerswere not entitled to compensation under the defence Act of 1939.
As roads were widened and slabs of concrete appeared some people even awoke to find a largeswathe of their front garden had disappeared, virtually overnight.
I can only imagine what a huge change World War Two must have had to the New Forest. It is a vast area with immense areas of seclusion, but suddenly with the onset of WW2 all this was to change.
I have lots more information, funny anecdotes and heart breaking stories to tell about the New Forest and its occupation during World War Two. To find out more why not visit [http://www.newforest-life.com]My New Forest Life travel Guide.
I live on the beautiful New Forest today and am currently finding out as much of the history of the New Forest during World War Two as I can. At each turn I find more information but also fascinating tales and stories from the people of the New Forest who actually lived here during WW2.If you would like to find out more please visit [http://www.newforest-life.com]My New Forest Life travel Guide. You'll love the pictures of all the beautiful New Forest animals I see every day.
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