Protection of civilians in the event of an enemy attack was an important issue to the Government during World War Two. In 1938 the Anderson Shelter, named after Sir John Anderson, Home Secretary during the Battle of Britain was designed. It was designed for use in the garden, and when covered with earth the shelter would give some protection from shell fragments and bomber splinters, although dampness was an ever present problem. These shelters was designed to accommodate up to six people, and were supplied by the government for free…
Tag: Air Raid shelter
Schools prepared for Air Raids
Air Raid Shelters Keston School Prepared When the scholars at Keston Church Schools return from their Easter vacation on April 1, the new air raid shelter built on the Common opposite the school will be ready for use. The shelter is a workmanlike job with accomodation for upwards of 100 senior scholars. There are emergency exits at the end of each passage, and entrance is made by a flight of steps which decend to thejunction of two passageways. In addition to seats and necessary air-lock and gas preventative…
Getting a Good Night’s Rest in the Public Shelter
During early 1941 Britain was still in the midst of the Blitz, with no idea how long it was going to last. The Ministry of Home Security issue a number of adverts in local and national newspapers to help prepare people, and provide useful advice like how to get a “Good Night’s rest in a Public Shelter” during an air raid. Before, During and After the Raid A Good Night’s Rest in the Public Shelter – and the help that is ready for you if your home is hit In public shelters…
Building Your Air Raid Shelter
Step by Step guide to building your own Air Raid Shelter.
What to Do Before Going into Your Shelter
Before, during and after the raid What to do before going into your Shelter – and the help that is ready if your home is hit. Before you leave the house, turn off all gas taps, including pilot jets, and turn off the gas at the main. Leave buckets or cans of water and sand or earth on the front-door step, or just inside the door. Put your stirrup pump, if you have one, where it can easily be seen, Draw back curtains and raise blinds in upper rooms so…
Adding comfort to your Air Raid Shelter
Air raid shelters were not the most lavish place to have to spend your time. Primarily located in the garden, they were often dark, damp and cold, so shops jumped at the chance of providing a bit of comfort to their customers. This advert for Jones & Higgins Ltd in Peckham appeared in the Bromley & District Times on the 1st November 1940, at the height of the London Blitz. Shelter Comforts at Keen Prices Here are three items which will add greatly to your comfort in the air-raid shelter at…
“Gay Defiance” of Staff and Pupils during WW2
How words change their meanings! This report tells how the education department were trying to minimise the threat of bomb damage: only allowing limited numbers of people on the school premises at one time (part-time schooling), and arrangements for repairs made in advance. It had all worked well. Staff and pupils carrying on as normally as possible in defiance of German aggression. Lessons would have continued in school air-raid shelters or even sheltering under desks! Kent Education Committee “Gay Defiance” of Staff and Pupils Use of School Shelters by the public Lord Northbourne presided…
Babies Born in Raid Shelters
Three in one South-East District Three mothers gave birth to babies in private A.R.P. shelters during a raid over a South-East urban district. The mothers and babies are doing well. In the same raid a house was it by a bomb shortly after a young mother had given birth to a baby. The house was damaged and mother and baby were removed to hospital in the A.R.P. ambulance. A mile from her house a maternity home was shaken by the explosion of a bomb. No one was hurt. I wonder…
Food Facts, September 1940
Handy Tips from the Ministry of Food, 1940 This regular feature from the Ministry of Food appeared in the Bromley & District Times on20th September 1940 (page 6). This follows on from the advice given in the August 1940 food facts. This Week’s Food Facts Most of us are going through a rather tough time. Now, more than ever, proper food is vital to our health. Don’t think that odd snacks during the day will sustain you. One full meal will do you twice as much good. Eat fresh food. See that your…
Getting an Air Raid Shelter at Low Cost during the Battle of Britain
This advert for a concrete air raid shelter appeared in the Bromley & District Times at the start of the Battle of Britain, in July 1940. Effective Shelter at Low Cost Concrete offers the maximum protection from blast and splinters at lowest cost. We manufacture a practical Domestic Shelter for six persons for easy erection by one man at £9’15’0. the Complete set of units (ex works). Trade terms to builders. Complete schemes for industrialists speedily carried out at a love all-in cost. Six standard types will accommodation up to 50…