Photography: 98for98: The century in photographs: today 1941

These two neighbours chatting over the garden fence act as casually about wearing wearing gas-masks as they would be about discussing a new soap powder. It shows the extent to which civilians conducted their usual business during the war. But normality had become surreal - from the posters of a tiny Hitler spying on nattering ladies from roof racks to buying clothes with margarine coupons because clothing vouchers hadn't yet been printed. After night raids, people wandered back to find their homes no longer standing, and bombs wrecked factories, transportation and communication systems. Millions of people died in fires and of diseases after such essential services as fire-fighting and health care broke down in war-torn areas. No one knows how many civilians died as a direct result of World War II, as bombing raids destroyed many of the records needed to estimate these deaths. It is not surprising that in this climate people wanted to bury their heads in something.

Women had plenty to gossip about. "Womanpower for the war effort," exalted Ernest Bevin, Minister of Labour, as women eagerly flocked to replace male labour. They served in the armed forces as mechanics, drivers, clerks, and cooks, and also filled non-combat military positions. The importance of such labour was immeasurable, and the government went to a lot of trouble to entice them out of the home and into the work force. There was a huge expansion in day and night nurseries, and child-minding systems.

Men who were too old for conscription volunteered for the Home Guard - or "Dad's Army" as it was portrayed on television. With their aged rifles, hastily devised weapons, and innovative ideas (such as putting a wire across roads to trip over motor bikes), they were representative of the indefatigable spirit and bravery of British civilians.

Because of the slow actions of Britain and France, and Germany's easy victories between 1939 and 1941, the Germans did not expect the war to last much longer. In April they invaded Greece and Yugoslavia, and in June, Hitler broke his non-aggression pact with the USSR. This was Hitler's second big mistake, the first was which was ending German air strikes - which enabled Britain to rebuild itself. The invasion of USSR heralded the first shivers of possible failure. German troops were told to "take Moscow or perish," but the Russian winter proved the troops' harshest enemy. On December 7, the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour ended the United States attempts to stay out of the war.

`Photo 98' is a series of high profile national events and exhibitions. For information contact 01484 559888. Or refer to www.photo98.com

Current exhibitions: "Lot 384," an installation by Marion Harrison which explores the materiality of magic lantern slides, touching on their historical significance and origins. To April 18, Batley Art Gallery, Market Place, Batley WF17 5DA (01924 326090).