Book Review

A new book called "The Czech Connection - The Czechoslovak Government in Exile in London and Buckinghamshire" compiled by Neil Rees is now for sale. 

The book tells the story of President Benes of Czechoslovakia and his officials in exile in the 3 Bucks villages of Aston Abbotts, Wingrave and Addington.  During the Second World War the Czechoslovak Government-in-Exile were friendly with Anthony de Rothschild of Ascott House, Wing and through his contacts in the Whaddon Chase Hunt they leased buildings in Aston Abbotts and Wingrave for the Presidernt of Czechoslovakia and his staff.  The book is based upon interviews with people from Bucks and with Czechoslovak veterans.  It uses 136 illustrations, mainly taken in Bucks, with captions to tell the story of the Czechoslovaks from their arrival in the Aylesbury Vale in 1940 until their return to Prague in 1945.

The author is Neil Rees who is from Bucks.

The book is ISBN 0-9550883-0-5 and costs £7.50.

The book is available from Peter and Clare Shorrock, cheques payable to "The Czech Connection":
Oak Farm House, Wingrave Road, Aston Abbotts, Aylesbury, Bucks  HP22 4LU tel: (01296)  681260
e-mail: postmaster@wingvillage.co.uk

All profits go to the new children's play equipment in Aston Abbotts, to replace the old that was bought with money left to Aston Abbotts School by President Benes.

If you have any information or memories about the Czechs in Bucks during the Second World War contact the author Neil Rees, 1 Eskdale Avenue, Chesham, Bucks HP5 3AX tel: 01494 776457/ 793921 or e-mail postmaster@wingvillage.co.uk