In this first episode hear how World War Two brought an influx of people into the Forest of Dean - such as Lumber Jills, G.I.’s and Italian and German Prisoners of War. Hear too how whilst there was the threat of stray bombs or the fear of invasion, it was also a time of liberation for some Foresters as many of the older social norms simply fell away. The War was an event that influenced and shaped the next fifty years. This was when the cry of ‘Got and gum chum’ rang out on the streets of Cinderford - but why? Listen to find out, and about the bombs and the Yanks and so much more that shook the Forest.   

Presented by Dr Roger Deeks. 

With Ruth Dainty, William Baldwin, Nigel Isaac, James Bevan, Edna Hicks, Bart and Anne Venner, Charlie Penn, Ivy Gunter, Thomas Preece, William Baldwin, Esmund Tovey, Edna Hicks, Roy Mills, Glenda Griffiths and Rosa Taylor. 

Thanks also to Caroline Prosser-Lodge, Cheryl Mayo and Emily Hughes. 

This podcast is made possible through the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the University of Gloucestershire.