Matthew Eaton
Author. Writer. Explorer of stories found in the margins of the Second World War.
Subscribe to Historical Ephemera for bi-weekly stories I’ve found down rabbit
holes whilst researching the lesser-explored parts of the Second World War.
New Book Available Now
Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War
Discover the remarkable wartime story of Virginia Vernon — available now from The History Press.
Based on Virginia Vernon’s letters, private papers, and other source material found in one of the rabbit holes I came across whilst researching my PhD, and co-written with Professor Adam Fairclough, Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War is available online and in bookshops.
Virginia Vernon was responsible for the welfare of ENSA performers around the world during the Second World War. Her fluent French, a result of studying in Paris as a teenager, and her understanding of theatre after a successful career on Broadway made her an ideal candidate, so in 1939, the 46-year-old was recruited to bring morale-boosting entertainment to British troops in France. She soon discovered that “welfare” was a catch-all for many activities; much more than simply arranging accommodation for artistes and meeting performers on arrival.
Battling grief after the loss of her husband, contending with male chauvinism in the Army, and travelling through the most inhospitable places, along the way Madam V won the support and admiration of royalty, the military, and the stars of stage and screen, gaining a fearsome reputation for achieving the impossible. This new book tells the story of her wartime journey, from Arras in 1939 to V.J. Day in Rangoon.
Book of the Month!
Madam V: Virginia Vernon’s War was named Book of the Month in Best of British magazine.
Upcoming Events and Appearances
An engaging and enlightening speaker, panellist and panel moderator, Matt gives talks on Madam V - Virginia Vernon’s War and about topics on the margins of the Second World War, with a specific focus on troop morale and wellbeing, his PhD research, and the stories he shares in the Historical Ephemera newsletter.
Whether in person at festivals, bookshops, libraries, community centres and halls, virtually on radio and podcasts, or for press and interviews, Matt enjoys sharing the unexpected stories and people he finds in his research with audiences curious about the lesser-examined aspects of history.
