Next time you are waiting for a train, and perhaps complaining about the lack of them, spare a thought for the commuters of the 1940s. At least British rail had a good reason – moving weapons to the theatres of war, as well as the war damage to the railways. The railway system suffered heavy damage in some areas due to German Luftwaffe bombing, especially in cities such as London and Coventry. It is estimated that 482 locomotives, 13,314 passenger and 16,132 freight vehicles were damaged during World War Two. Sources: Advert –…
Tag: Adverts
Hot Water! What’s the Idea?
Keeping the soldiers going! This advert for OXO featured in the Bromley & District Times in February 1941, to no doubt encourage families to send stocks to the soldiers on the front line. Read more about the history of OXO in my previous blog >> How OXO Helped Strengthen the Home Front Source: Bromley & District Times, 21st February 1941, page 3
Pet Food Adverts, 1941
In the Summer of 1939, before the outbreak of war, the National Air Raid Precautions Animals Committee (NARPAC) was formed. This committee produced a pamphlet giving advice to pet owners stating: “If at all possible, send or take your household animals into the country in advance of an emergency.” It concluded by saying: “If you cannot place them in the care of neighbours, it really is kindest to have them destroyed.” This advice was printed in almost every local newspapers across the country, and was confirmed in a BBC broadcast…
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…
Billy Brown’s Own Highway Code
Billy Brown of London Town was a cartoon character, drawn by English cartoonist David Langdon OBE, who featured on the London Transport posters and in local newspapers during World War 2. Brown’s appearance was that of a City of London businessman of the time, wearing a bowler hat and pinstripe suit, and carrying an umbrella. This example featured in the Bromley & District Times on 20th December 1940. Billy Brown of London Town Billy Brown’s own Highway Code For blackouts is ‘Stay off the Road’. He’ll never step out and begin To meet…
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…
Part-Exchange Furniture in the 1940s
One of the ‘Perrings’ Furniture Store was located on the High Street in Sidcup. Perrings was a small family firm, run by two brother, John and William Perring, who had broken away from their fathers shop just off Euston Road, London in 1893. Both in their early twenties, the brother set up independently, dividing their territories to the north (William) and the south (John) of London. They steadily opened up new shops, with wartime breaks, until by 1966 they both owned 20 stores each. Their business started primarily with bedding,…
How OXO helped Strengthen the Home Front
How OXO helped Strengthen the Home Front In 1840 a German chemist, by the name of Baron Justus von Liebig (1803-1873), invented meat extract through his Extract of Meat Company, and shortly after Oxo was created. The formula was so popular that by 1908 Oxo was able to become an official sponsor of the London Olympics and supplied fortified drinks of Oxo to marathon runners. By 1910 the makers had formulated the iconic OXO ‘cube’, making it more accessible to families around the world, and further increased Oxo’s popularity. During the…
Men Wanted Now
The devastation left by the air raids on, and around, London was immense and people were needed to help with the clear up. This advert appeared in the Bromley District Times newspaper on the 18th October 1940 advertising for those who were ‘able-bodied’ and ‘temporarily out-of-work’ to enrol for the job. London air raid debris Clearance Scheme Men Wanted Now Jobs for able-bodied men temporarily out-of-work Enrol now at your local Employment Exchange If you are now unemployed and live in the London area, you are invited to enrol…
Three-Decker Bunk beds in Bromley Air Raid Shelter
Three-Decker Divans in Elm Bank Hotel Shelter The entrance to these improvised sleeping quarters is down a six-feet stairway directly below the main stairs. Each bunk, made with deep springs and coil interiors, measures 6-feet by 3-fet, ensures complete relaxation – the 20-inch walls, utmost safety. Guests now have their choice upstairs wit H and C, or downstairs with comfort and quietness, which coupled with excellent food, is obtainable at as low as 3 1/2 Guineas per week. ELM BANK HOTEL Widmore Green, Bromley Source: Bromley & District Times,…