Women of Steel

True stories of love and loss during WWII, from the tough Northern women who kept the foundry fires burning.

When war broke out, the young women of Sheffield had their carefree lives turned upside down. With their sweethearts being sent away to fight, they had no choice but to step into the men's shoes and become the backbone of the city's steel industry. Through hard toil and companionship, they vowed to keep the foundry fires burning and ensured that soldiers had the weapons, planes and ships needed to secure victory over Hitler.

When the men returned from the front in 1945, many of these women tragically found themselves discarded 'like yesterday's fish and chip wrappers'. But decades later, a grassroots campaign spearheaded by the elderly Women of Steel finally brought their remarkable story to light.

Women of Steel is the last chance to hear these unsung heroines' voices, as they share first-hand how a group of plucky young women rallied together to win the war for Britain.

“A brilliant book of true stories of love and loss during WWII from the tough northern women who kept the foundry fires burning.”

- Bella Magazine

This blend of memoir and history, that comes complete with gorgeous wartime romance stories, celebrates a heroic generation. - Best Magazine

Stories of the unsung WWII heroines who took up jobs in the factories that kept the country running and built the weapons that beat Hitler are told... author Michelle Rawlins interviewed some of the last surviving women - many now in their 90s or 100s - who dropped everything to support the war effort. - Daily Mail

A worthy tribute to incredible grit - Sunday Mirror

A profoundly moving blend of fascinating social history and personal memoirs. - The People

Inspiring. - Take A Break

Celebrates the amazing stories of Sheffield's Women of Steel and their incredible working lives during two world wars. - Sheffield Star

Michelle is an award-winning journalist with 20 years' experience, based in Yorkshire.

True stories of love and loss during WWII, from the tough Northern women who kept the foundry fires burning. When war broke out, the young women of Sheffield had their carefree lives turned upside down. With their sweethearts being sent away to fight, they had no choice but to step into the men's shoes and become the backbone of the city's steel industry. Through hard toil and companionship, they vowed to keep the foundry fires burning and ensured that soldiers had the weapons, planes and ships needed to secure victory over Hitler.When the men returned from the front in 1945, many of these women tragically found themselves discarded 'like yesterday's fish and chip wrappers'. But decades later, a grassroots campaign spearheaded by the elderly Women of Steel finally brought their remarkable story to light. Women of Steel is the last chance to hear these unsung heroines' voices, as they share first-hand how a group of plucky young women rallied together to win the war for Britain.

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.