Home Front

27 March 1918 - Adeline Lumley

27 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, Winston Churchill called for munition workers to forego an Easter break, and in Folkestone, Adeline is distracted by something el...

26 March 1918 - Alice Macknade

26 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, Married Love by Marie Stopes was published, and in Folkestone, Alice isn't feeling enamoured with Bill.Written by Katie Hims Stor...

23 March 1918 - Jessie Moore

23 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, Parisian wedding processions continued through the streets despite a bombardment with shells from a long-range gun over 70 miles ...

22 March 1918 - Adeline Lumley

22 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, 'Women's Day' raised funds for the WAAC, and in Folkestone, Adeline finds her own way of helping women. Written by Katie Hims Sto...

21 March 1918 - Bill Macknade

21 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, a convoy of 120 stretcher cases arrived in Folkestone, and Bill Macknade is ready to get back on his feet.Written by Katie Hims S...

20 March 1918 - Kitty Lumley

20 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, the War Office forbade the use of 'maisons tolérées', and in Folkestone, Kitty encounters the sharp end of intolerance. Written...

19 March 1918 - Dorothea Winwood

19 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, the House of Lords discussed the founding of a League of Nations, and in Folkestone, Dorothea puts together a mixed dinner party....

16 March 1918 - Kitty Lumley

16 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, the Times published details for women registering to vote, and in Folkestone, Kitty's dearest wish comes true. Written by Sarah D...

15 March 1918 - Ivy Monk

15 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, the RMS Amazon was sunk off the Irish Coast, and in Folkestone, Ivy encounters some formidable women. Written by Sarah Daniels Di...

14 March 1918 - Sylvia Graham

14 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, the Crawford Report recommended the building of the Imperial War Museum, and in Folkestone, Sylvia establishes a new friendship.W...

13 March 1918 - Adeline Lumley

13 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, an education bill was proposed, asserting the rights of children, and in Folkestone, Adeline furthers their interests in her own ...

12 March 1918 - Alec Poole

12 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, the Yorkshire coast was attacked by zeppelins, and in Folkestone, Alec Poole feels a bit put upon. Written by Sarah Daniels Direc...

9 March 1918 - Alice Macknade

09 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, Businessmen's Week was said to have raised over £100m in war bonds, and in Folkestone, Alice's fortunes take a downturn.Written ...

8 March 1918 - Kitty Lumley

08 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, the Bolsheviks became the Russian Communist Party and in Folkestone, Kitty isn't in a party mood. Written by Sarah Daniels Direct...

7 March 1918 - Edie Chadwick

07 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, Germany signed a peace treaty with Finland, and in Folkestone, Edie and Marion negotiate some unforeseen challenges.Cast Edie Cha...

6 March 1918 - Adeline Lumley

06 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, news emerged that the last signed work of Bellini was destroyed in an Austrian raid on Venice, and in Folkestone, Adeline takes h...

5 March 1918 - Sylvia Graham (Season 13 start)

05 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, the post office stated in the Times that it accepted no liability for post lost due to enemy action, and in Folkestone, Sylvia re...

5 January 1918 - Edie Chadwick

05 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, it was reported that in Grimsby, a 70 year old former member of the Rifle Brigade had attempted to enlist, and in Tynemouth, Edie...

4 January 1918 - Adeline Lumley

04 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, the SS Birtley was sunk returning from Dunkirk, losing 18 crew, and in Tynemouth, old friends arrive seeking safety.Written by Ka...

3 January 1918 - Alan Lowther

03 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, nearly all shipyards in the North East were at a standstill due to snow, hail and high winds, and in Tynemouth Alan Lowther is de...

2 January 1918 - Cressida Marshall

02 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, Polar exploration ship the Aurora was officially declared missing, and at Collingwood Cressida Marshall remembers her late husban...

1 January 1918 - Duncan Chadwick

01 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1918, Kaiser Wilhelm II declared, "We face with firm confidence and iron will the year 1918", and in Tynemouth, Duncan Chadwick tries t...

29 December 1917 - Joyce Lyle

29 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Russian government issued a decree abolishing all military ranks and titles, and in Tynemouth, discharged soldier, Duncan Cha...

28 December 1917 - Marion Wardle

28 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the German forces allegedly dropped deadly toys over France which exploded in children's hands, while in North Shields, Marion ea...

27 December 1917 - Fraser Chadwick

27 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Vladimir Lenin gave a speech proposing the nationalisation of all Russian banks, and in North Shields, Fraser has an unusual offe...

26 December 1917 - Lester Reed

26 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the first Ladies' international football match was played in Belfast, and in Tynemouth, Lester Reed is finding it hard to celebra...

25 December 1917 - Sylvia Graham

25 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, plum pudding was made a regular ration for the troops for the first time, while at Collingwood Park, Sylvia wishes in vain for pe...

22 December 1917 - Isabel Graham

22 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, peace negotiations between Russia and Germany began at Brest-Litovsk, and at Collingwood too, relations are thawing.Cast Isabel G...

21 December 1917 - Matilda James

21 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, hundreds of striking munitions workers at Beardmore's factory in Paisley returned to work, and in Tynemouth too, it's the first s...

20 December 1917 - Judith Turner

20 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, a seventeen year old munitionette, Maria Scratcher, was killed in a factory accident in Willington, and at Marshalls, the workers...

19 December 1917 - Alan Lowther

19 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, it was announced that women's alcoholism had declined since the start of the war, and in Tynemouth, Alan Lowther feels the weight...

18 December 1917 - Edie Chadwick

18 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, it was reported that local Belgians had created a Christmas fund for miners' children, and in Tynemouth, Edie prepares for a char...

15 December 1917 - Dilys Walker

15 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Russian 28-day Armistice agreement was signed, and Dilys arrives in Tynemouth on a peace-brokering mission.Written by Shaun M...

14 December 1917 - Johnnie Marshall

14 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Lloyd George famously declared 'There is no halfway house between victory and defeat', and in Tynemouth, Johnnie veers dangerousl...

13 December 1917 - Fraser Chadwick

13 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Crimea proclaimed its independence, as a secular Muslim state, advocating gender equality. In North Shields, Fraser Chadwick feel...

12 December 1917 - Iris Reed

12 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, two trawlers were torpedoed East of the Tyne, killing eight people, while in Tynemouth, Iris is ambushed when she least expects i...

11 December 1917 - Marion Wardle

11 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Cuba declared war on Austria-Hungary, and - in North Shields - Marion Wardle is on a different campaign.Written by Shaun McKenna ...

8 December 1917 - Fraser Chadwick

08 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, British troops surrounded Jerusalem, and at Marshalls Fraser returns to a factory under siege.Written by Caroline Horton Directed...

7 December 1917 - Marion Wardle

07 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, miners in Sutton returned to work after a strike, and at Marshalls factory Marion is speaking up for the workers.Written by Carol...

6 December 1917 - Joyce Lyle

06 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, French munitions ship the SS Mont-Blanc blew up in Halifax, Canada injuring 10,000 people and killing 2000 - the largest manmade ...

5 December 1917 - Edie Chadwick

05 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Russia and Germany agreed a tentative ceasefire at Brest-Litovsk, and in North Shields Edie is unsure about her visit to Collingw...

4 December 1917 - Duncan Chadwick

04 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, President Wilson, in his State of the Union Address, recommended declaring war on Austria-Hungary, and in Tynemouth, Duncan is ba...

1 December 1917 - Phyllis Marshall

01 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Germany and the new Russian government began a cessation of hostilities, while in Collingwood, Phyllis is still counting her loss...

30 November 1917 - Iris Reed

30 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Graincourt Sugar Factory fell to the German Army, and in Tynemouth, Iris Reed is finding toffee in the strangest places. Writ...

29 November 1917 - Isabel Graham

29 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Women's Royal Naval Service was established, and in Tynemouth, Isabel Graham finds herself a bit out of her depth.Written by ...

28 November 1917 - Sarah Illingworth

28 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Estonian government asserted its independence from Bolshevik Russia, and in Marshalls' factory, Sarah Illingworth is disturbe...

27 November 1917 - Kitty Lumley

27 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, as the Times reported the fake news that the Tsar's daughter was to visit America, travelling under the name of Miss Tatiana Roma...

24 November 1917 - Lester Reed

24 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917 Rosa Luxemburg wrote from prison that the Russian revolution was a "milestone", and in Tynemouth the Reeds are watchful for Bolshe...

23 November 1917 - Fraser Chadwick

23 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, cabinet minister Lord Robert Cecil declared that the Russian government was not to be recognised, while in Tynemouth Fraser Chadw...

22 November 1917 - Marion Wardle

22 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, German counterattacks re-took Fontaine Notre Dame, and at Marshalls, the munitionettes take a stand.Written by Sebastian Baczkiew...

21 November 1917 - Sarah Illingworth

21 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Bolsheviks disbanded the Women's Battalions, while in Tynemouth, Sarah Illingworth brings discipline to the Marshalls' muniti...

20 November 1917 - Edie Chadwick

20 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Battle of Cambrai marked the first mass use of tanks, and in Tynemouth, Edie is disheartened.Written by Sebastian Baczkiewicz...

17 November 1917 - Lester Reed

17 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the sculptor, Auguste Rodin, died, and in Tynemouth, it's clear that Lester Reed has been thinking.Written by Sebastian Baczkiewi...

16 November 1917 - Alan Lowther

16 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, ANZAC troops occupied Jaffa, and in Tynemouth, Alan Lowther is thinking of cake.Written by Sebastian Baczkiewicz Directed by Jes...

15 November 1917 - Johnnie Marshall

15 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Finnish parliament declared their independence from Russia, and in Tynemouth, Johnnie sees more to Aunt Phyllis than he'd sus...

14 November 1917 - Joyce Lyle

14 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the women's suffrage movement in America turned a corner, as 33 protesters were brutally tortured and beaten in a fabled 'Night o...

13 November 1917 - Edie Chadwick (Season 12 start)

13 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The first episode of a new season, set in the North East, in the shadow of the Russian Revolution. On this day in 1917, in Petrograd, the Bolsheviks c...

Home Front returns on 13 November 2017

09 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The lead writer of Home Front's Season 12, Shaun McKenna, reveals what to expect as the drama returns to Tyneside where people are feeling giddy with ...

22 September 1917 - Sylvia Graham

22 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the National Health Insurance Commission recommended free treatment of all invalided soldiers and sailors, and in Folkestone, in ...

21 September 1917 - Victor Lumley

21 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, 27 were killed in a munitions factory explosion in Arklow, Ireland, and at the Bevan hospital, Victor Lumley's day is volatile.Wr...

20 September 1917 - Adeline Lumley

20 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Jamaican seventeen year old Herbert Morris, believed to be suffering from shell shock, was shot at dawn for desertion in France, ...

19 September 1917 - Kitty Lumley

19 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, socialist and women's activist Annie Besant was released from prison in India, while in Folkestone, Kitty Lumley feels trapped. W...

18 September 1917 - Ralph Winwood

18 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the new French Premier, Painleve, made his maiden speech in office, and at St Judes vicarage, Dorothea prepares for her first day...

15 September 1917 - Ivy Layton

15 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the British Government officially denied attempting a peace deal with Germany, and in Folkestone, Ivy Layton's suspicions grow mo...

14 September 1917 - Jessie Moore

14 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Noel Chavasse became the only soldier to receive two VCs in the Great War, and in Folkestone, Jessie and Adam find themselves in ...

13 September 1917 - Albert Wilson

13 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, General Kornilov's revolt broke down in Russia, following the suicide of General Krimov, and in Folkestone, the Wilsons try to re...

12 September 1917 - Alice Macknade

12 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, British naval planes bombed Zeebrugge, and in Folkestone, Alice's birthday gets off to a terrible start.Cast Alice Macknade ........

11 September 1917 - Howard Argent

11 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Lt Douglas Malcolm was acquitted of murdering Count de Borch, his wife's Russian lover, despite having shot him, and in Folkeston...

8 September 1917 - Alec Poole

08 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, France took 800 German prisoners in a renewed offensive at Verdun, and in Folkestone, Reverend Poole is liberated by events.Writt...

7 September 1917 - Isabel Graham

07 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Prime Minister Alexandre Ribot and the entire French cabinet resigned over widespread Army mutinies, and in Folkestone, a traumat...

6 September 1917 - Alice Macknade

06 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, thousands lined the streets in Gillingham for the funeral of 98 naval personnel killed in the Chatham air raid, and in Folkestone...

5 September 1917 - Howard Argent

05 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, headlines were dominated by news of the air raids on Chatham and Dover, and in Folkestone, Dr Argent is treating traumatised sold...

4 September 1917 - Maisie Harris

04 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, pacifist Edmund Morel was sent to Pentonville prison for six months, and in Folkestone, Maisie Harris is fearful about the war co...

1 September 1917 - Adeline Lumley

01 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Wilfred Owen wrote 'Many of us who came to the Hydro slightly ill are now getting dangerously well,' and Adeline Lumley is also b...

31 August 1917 - Florrie Wilson

31 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, a retired Captain and his wife were fined £50 for food hoarding, and in Folkestone, Florrie goes shopping.Written by Mike Walker...

30 August 1917 - Howard Argent

30 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, 1500 Welsh miners, out on strike for the reinstatement of one man, returned to work, and in Folkestone, Howard Argent is kept bus...

29 August 1917 - Esme Macknade

29 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, President Wilson issued his reply to the Pope's Peace Note, while in Folkestone, Esme Macknade craves a little peace. Written by ...

28 August 1917 - Jessie Moore

28 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, severe gales across the country uprooted trees and damaged crops, while in Folkestone, Jessie's mood is bleak.Written by Mike Wal...

25 August 1917 - Sylvia Graham

25 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, four hundred thousand Moscow workers went on strike in defiance of the State Conference, while in Folkestone Sylvia is canvassing...

24 August 1917 - Dennis Monk

24 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Italian troops took Mount Santo from the Austro-Hungarian forces, while in Folkestone Dennis gives his advice freely.Written by M...

23 August 1917 - Kitty Lumley

23 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, it was reported that playwright and former hospital orderly HH Davies had gone missing, while in Folkestone, Kitty seeks to retri...

22 August 1917 - Isabel Graham

22 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, eleven were killed in a daylight air raid on Dover, where Isabel is due to attend a funeral.Written by Mike Walker Directed by Ci...

21 August 1917 - Ulysses Pilchard

21 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, British naval forces brought a zeppelin down off the coast of Jutland, while near Folkestone Dr Pilchard scours the shoreline.Wri...

18 August 1917 - Norman Harris

18 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Sylvia Pankhurst's Peace meeting in Hyde Park was broken up by the police, while in Folkestone, Sergeant Harris marks the first a...

17 August 1917 - Adeline Lumley

17 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Wilfred Owen met Siegfried Sassoon at Craiglockhart, and in Folkestone, Adeline and Victor Lumley see clearly, but in different w...

16 August 1917 - Ulysses Pilchard

16 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Chancellor of the Exchequer rejected the idea of a channel tunnel, at least until the end of the war, while in Folkestone, Ul...

15 August 1917 - Juliet Cavendish

15 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, an increase in wages for women munitions workers was introduced, and Juliet Cavendish finds her working conditions oppressive.Wri...

14 August 1917 - Howard Argent

14 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Pope Benedict XV issued a Peace Note to the warring nations, and in Folkestone, Howard Argent plays mediator.Written by Katie Him...

11 August 1917 - Dennis Monk

11 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Labour leader Arthur Henderson resigned from the Cabinet under pressure from the press, and in Folkestone, Jessie Moore directs h...

10 August 1917 - Sylvia Graham

10 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Labour party voted to send delegates to the Stockholm peace conference, and in Folkestone Sylvia Graham hosts wounded soldier...

9 August 1917 - Alec Poole

09 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, The Times described German coverage of Passchendaele as 'press hysterics', and in Folkestone, Reverend Winwood soothes Alec Poole...

8 August 1917 - Alice Macknade

08 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, at the Conference of Modern Churchmen, Canon Glazebrook described socialism as sharing Christian virtues, while in Folkestone, Al...

7 August 1917 - Howard Argent

07 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the dramatist Basil Hood died, having suffered from nervous exhaustion, and Captain Lumley returns to Folkestone a more fragile m...

4 August 1917 - Hilary Pearce

04 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, there was a service on the Leas in Folkestone to mark the third anniversary of the outbreak of war. Written by Katie Hims Direct...

3 August 1917 - Kitty Lumley

03 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, copies of Sylvia Pankhurst's 'Dreadnought' were seized in a raid, and in Folkestone, Kitty discovers a vital clue.Written by Kati...

2 August 1917 - Jessie Moore

02 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the heaviest rainfall in 30 years fell on Passchendaele, and in Folkestone, Jessie lives under a cloud.Written by Katie Hims Dir...

1 August 1917 - Dorothea Winwood

01 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, Pope Benedict XV issued his Peace Note, describing the war as driven by a universal madness, and in Folkestone, Dorothea experien...

31 July 1917 - Adeline Lumley (Season 11 start)

31 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

31 July 1917 marked the first day of Passchendaele, and - at the Maudsley hospital in London - Adeline and Phyllis are on the offensive. Written by Ka...

9 June 1917 - Ralph Winwood

09 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Folkestone Herald reported that shell fragments were being hunted as mementoes, and Ralph has a very early morning visitor.Wr...

8 June 1917 - Florrie Wilson

08 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

On this day in 1917, the Tenth Battle of Isonzo ended, with heavy losses on both sides, while in Folkestone, Kitty only has eyes for baby May. Written...