Coal House At War

Coal House At War

Release Date:  6/15/2008
Country of Release:  Wales
Length:  30 minutes
MPAA: 
Medium:  Video
Genre:  REA
Release Message:  Three families are transported back to 1944 and the war years to experience life in the mines without modern conveniences.
Description:  Three families Ñ the Griffiths family from Ammanford, the Paisey family from Cardiff, and the Tranter Davies family from Merthyr Tydfil Ñ live life as it was in a mining community during the World War II. In an attempt to gain an insight into how people lived during the war, they swapped a hectic 21st century life for a more simplified way of living. As with the first series, the men and boys over 14 had to work a long day as coal miners at Blaentillery No. 2 Mine. Once again, they have to cope with the demands of the mine owner, Mr. Blanford. The men of the family were also expected to do their duty in the Home Guard after a long day underground. Mines were considered a target, so inclusion in the home guard was vital. The women had to run the home under 1944 conditions, which included war work and feeding their families with limited rations. The families were joined by evacuees and Bevin Boys, who were conscripted to fight and then sent to dig for coal.