In England, the public is hungry for victory. Nearly four years of bombardment, defeat, and U-boat blockade have created hardships. All healthy women under the age of 40 are obliged to undertake war work, unless prevented by heavy family responsibilities or looking after billeted military men or war workers. Rationing is heavy. There are shortages of everything from oil to manpower.
Buildings go without maintenance or paint.
From radio, cinema, and hoardings come endless exhortations to Britons to bear sacrifices, live frugally, give money to the war effort, and to press on against the enemy. Eric Blair Jr. Even so, the Allies are working on their counterattack. In England, Dwight D. Eisenhower meets with Winston Churchill. The Allies intend to invade French North Africa, to surround Rommel.