World War II - Air-Raid Shelters

1. Air raids were a threat to British cities in World War II.

2. Both Britain and Germany thought that destroying factories, railways and docks would wreck the enemy’s war effort.

3. They hoped that bombing cities would upset the people so much that they would force their leaders to surrender.

4. Heavy bombing raids took place on many major cities in both countries.

5. Tens of thousands of people were killed and millions of homes destroyed.

6. In 1938 plans were devised to protect the population from air raids.

7. An air-raid siren would sound when enemy planes were spotted and people would go to their air-raid shelters.

8. There were several choices of shelters; public shelters, Anderson shelters, Morrison shelters and refuge rooms.

9. Householders were given instructions on how to construct a refuge room, which were fortified rooms.

10. Anderson shelters were made of six pieces of corrugated steel, designed to accommodate six people.

11. These air-raid shelters were erected in gardens and once constructed they were covered with a thick layer of earth.

12. They were provided free to those that earned less than £250 a year, and cost £7 if earnings were more than this.

13. Anderson shelters were almost 2 metres high high, 1.5 metres wide and 2 metres long.

14. The drawbacks of Anderson shelters were they flooded easily, were cramped and did not block the noise of the air raids.

15. It was said that Anderson shelters could withstand anything other than a direct hit.

16. Morrison shelters were provided for people without gardens and were very efficient.

17. These were rectangular structures with mesh sides, just big enough for sleeping in.

18. The mesh sides of Morrison shelters could be removed during the day so it could be used as a table.

19. Public shelters were built of brick with reinforced concrete roofs which could accommodate up to fifty people.

20. They were not popular because they were damp, cold and insanitary.

21. People in London preferred to use the Underground as an overnight air-raid shelter.

22. They would sleep on the platforms, the escalators, or even in hammocks across the lines.

23. The Government were against this at first, but eventually improved the facilities, putting in bunk beds, clinics and toilets.