Battleground
235. The British Criminal Underworld in The Second World War.
Jan 1, 2025
Mark Ellis, a novelist known for his authentic portrayals of wartime London's underworld, dives into the fascinating world of crime during World War II. He reveals how wartime chaos led to a dramatic surge in illegal activities, with looting rampant amid the Blitz. The discussion covers the rise of the black market, thriving under scarcity, and the vice industry that flourished thanks to American troops. Ellis also shares gripping tales of notorious criminals and the moral complexities faced by those navigating this tumultuous era.
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Quick takeaways
- Wartime Britain saw a 60% increase in crime as criminals exploited chaos and rationing to establish lucrative operations.
- The underworld thrived on the arrival of American soldiers, with organized crime syndicates capitalizing on the booming vice trade.
Deep dives
Criminal Boom During Wartime
The war in Britain from 1939 to 1945 led to a significant increase in criminal activity, with crime rates soaring by around 60%. Opportunists seized the cover provided by blackout conditions and wartime chaos to engage in looting and illegal activities. Rationing created a lucrative black market where goods such as food, clothing, and fuel were acquired and sold at exorbitant prices. Notorious criminals like Billy Hill became prominent figures in this underworld, capitalizing on the confusion and scarcity of the war to expand their operations.
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