What happened during an air raid ww2?

German bombers usually dropped a combination of high explosive and incendiary bombs. To combat incendiaries, people were encouraged to volunteer as fire watchers and to draw up rotas with their neighbours. Air raid wardens issued stirrup pumps and trained people how to use them.

What was it like in an air raid shelter?

What were Anderson Shelters like? The Anderson Shelters were dark and damp and people were reluctant to use them at night. In low-lying areas the shelters tended to flood and sleeping was difficult as they did not keep out the sound of the bombings.

What was an air raid siren and what did people do when they heard it during the Blitz?

Air-raid sirens first sounded the warning in London in September 1939. They became an almost daily part of life in the capital a year later during the height of the Blitz. When people heard the siren they would stop what they were doing and make for a shelter.

Did people die in air raid shelters?

More than 170 people fleeing from an air raid were crushed to death when the entrance to the east London station became blocked. Joan Martin had been qualified as a doctor for just one year when she led the team treating the casualties at Queen Elizabeth Hospital for Children.

What were air raid precautions ww2?

Air Raid Precautions (ARP) were organised by the national government and delivered by the local authorities. The aim was to protect civilians from the danger of air-raids.

What do you do during an air raid?

In daylight the sounding of an air raid alarm is a signal for all traffic to stop and all persons to get indoors under cover. If you are not near a designated air raid shelter, select whatever place under cover is handy. Avoid getting near large windows. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed to move.

What would you take into an air raid shelter?

You would always take your gas mask, a torch and a radio down to the shelter so that you knew what was going on. We used to entertain ourselves in the shelter – one lady recalled teaching younger children to knit. The School air raid shelter was not fondly remembered.

What would you take to an air raid shelter?

What did people hear in the blitz?

When Hitler invaded Russia the worst of the night raids ceased. The sound of aircraft still filled the night skies, but now there was no air raid warning and the sound was the regular beat of the Merlins and Hercules – the engines of our bombers on their way to the enemy.

How do you survive air raid?

Upon the sounding of an air raid alarm, turn off all gas and electric burners but do not turn off pilot lights. Do not turn off gas line valves or pull main switches. Extinguish all fireplace fires. Do not use flashlights or matches out of doors.

What was the blackout during ww2?

‘Blackout’ regulations came into force as the war began. These meant that families had to cover up all windows at night to ensure that no light escaped that could aid enemy bombers to find their targets. Street lamps were also switched off and car headlights covered except for a narrow slit.