How Did the Blitz Affect Everyday Life in Britain?

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Anna Remington

History Coursework

How Did the Blitz Affect Everyday Life in Britain?

Britain declared the Second World War on Germany on 3rd September 1939. The dreaded war had arrived. The threat of the Second World War was greater, the aeroplanes were more forceful, bombs were larger, and could wipe out an entire city overnight, but the people were ready.  

During 1939 and the start of 1940 hardly any bombs were dropped on Britain.

Hitler did plan to invade Britain, and in September 1940 the German bombardment began on the cities rather than the RAF air bases.

Hitler hoped that with the continuous bombing and destruction, the Britons would panic and surrender.  This bombardment was called by the name of the Blitz.

The Blitz was a period of British bravery and nobleness.  People supported their country in any which way.  Men joined the services, women began work again and even children and pensioners had a part in the victory.  The spirit of survival was never dashed despite Hitler’s attempts of destruction.  It was as if the people of Britain bounced right back into action, as though the attacks were an inspiration.  Of course many of the fighters, in the fields, in the air or simply a foot died, yet they died due to the superficial, power seeking efforts of Hitler.  The British government did all it could to offer protection and prepared for the burial of the less fortunate.  

Air Raids and Air Raid Precautions

Shelters

As soon as a plane or such aircraft was sighted in the skies, the people would become aware from the numerous sirens, sounded. The sirens were given the name of air raid sirens.  They would be sounded at the threat of a bomb.  

The government posted flyers and other means of advertisement as a sign, to the public that shelters were needed, some were designed for the home, and others public.

Some families would make their way down to the communal brick or concrete shelters in their street.  These shelters were known as ‘Public Shelters’ and were often built with very poor quality materials.  There was a shortage of cement so as a substitute limewater was used; this hardly held the bricks together.  The shelters didn’t have toilets either and people would simply have to foul on the floor, thus leading to an awful stench.  The shelters also flooded often and the users, who were generally the nearby London flat owners, were scared that the roof could cave in at any moment with or without a bomb.

Underground Shelters’ were where many of the British people went.  They were in fact underground train or tube lines, and were very popular.  The government had to issue authority eventually as the lines were taken over.  However they were troubled as to the safety of the public. Tthey feared that if a bomb was to hit nearby, there wouldn't be any survivors.  As in the Public shelters, the Underground shelters didn’t have any facilities and many used a bucket for their needs.

The Salvation Army and Women’s Voluntary Service ran shuttle services and had buns and drinks on offer.  Medical canteens were also available, and people kept themselves happy with communication, radios, gramophones and extensive cheerfulness.  Children quickly adapted to their new surroundings and enjoyed playful games.  At first people were just sleeping on the sidewalks or when the electricity was off even slept on the rail tracks.  This was very uncomfortable, but as time progressed bun beds, toilets and other snacks were provided.

We’re living like bloody moles, but at least you can’t ‘ear Jerry

                                                        An Underground Rougher

A white line would be drawn on the sidewalks to allow room for passengers to get onto the trains/tubes they needed.  It was 2½ metres from the edge; at 7.30pm the line would be moved to 1½ metres and then it was your last chance to find an area to sleep.  Late comers often slept on the stairs, in desperation.  The underground was the only place where Londoners couldn’t hear the sounds of the planes and bombs.

Anderson Shelters’ were given their name by their designer and producer.  Sir John Anderson.  An Anderson Shelter could accommodate six people or more if need be.  In preparation for the war, the government distributed Anderson Shelters to the high-risk areas of London.  Anderson Shelters were designed for the garden and could be put together with a friend.  An Anderson Shelter was made out of steel, and needed to be placed in a hole in the garden that was 1metre deep.  The earth over the roof needed to be at least 90cm deep and people were encouraged to grow foods over the top of their shelters.  The steel was delivered to your door during 1938.  It was suggested that important possessions such as birth certificates, post office books and first aid supplies were kept in the shelter, in case your house was bombed.  Families made these shelters homely by adding bunk beds and flowers etc.  They were not comfortable to stay in; they were easily flooded and were dark and damp.  People often chose to remain under the stairs of the house, rather than run out to the shelter.  The government realised they needed an alternative. 

Morrison Shelters’ were the next suggestion of the governments.  They were in the home and were reasonably safe.   They could be disguised as a table and could easily house a family of two adults and two small children during an air raid.  These shelters were made out of iron or very heavy steel and were designed to-with stand the weight of the house falling on them.  However, they were useless if the house fell down on them.  The plus side of these shelters though was that no digging was involved.  Over one million Morrison Shelters were made in 1941.

The idea that some people had no shelter, is appalling, but alas was the case.  A survey was taken in November 1940; this was the time of the worst bombing in Britain.  People were asked one question.

Do you shelter?

More than half simply replied.

No.

Most people decided to stay in their own homes, they felt that if they were to die, then they were meant to die in comfort.

After an air raid, people would return to their homes.  Some would find rubble, some would find that their house was still standing.  Bombs could hit houses in an odd irregular pattern.  One house on a street of bombed out ones, could remain standing, it was a peculiar sight!

People would find dead and injured relatives or friends beneath the rubble.  Ambulance, ARP Wardens, Police, Fire Fighters and Bomb Disposal men were all kept busy.  The Germans dropped a number of bombs; fire bombs, delayed action bombs etc.

As the war continued people became used to the mess, left by the bombing and adjusted their lives where possible.

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Gas

Gas could be dropped from aeroplanes and was a very nasty weapon of use during the war.  There were several types of gases, and all were poisonous.  People would breathe in the gas, choke, and die coughing.  Gas was largely used in the First World War.  If gas was to be dropped onto Britain, many would die as there would be little protection.

The government decided that the best option was to distribute gas masks.  Thirty-eight million gas masks were given out, they were easy to wear and they had to fit tightly around the ...

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