The Nature Of The Blitz Flashcards
How did air-raid precautions change over time?
Government policy on shelters changed over time. Underground stations were opened due to public demand for deep shelters. Conditions gradually improved and beds were set up.
Although the public felt safer in Underground stations, some were hit by bombs.
What were communal shelters like?
Communal shelters were often overcrowded.
In Spitalfields, local optician Mickey Davis formed a committee to run the local shelter -
‘Micky’s shelter’ - providing cleaning, beds, GP services and a canteen. In March 1941, the Morrison shelter came in.
What was the impact of the South Hallsville School? (1940)
About 1000 homeless Londoners were staying at South Hallsville School on 10 September 1940 when it was hit in a bombing raid. They had been due to evacuate the day before. The reporting of the incident was banned because of the impact on morale. Casualty reports varied widely.
What was the impact of the Bethnal Green disaster? (1943)
On 3 March 1943, after a heavy Allied raid over Germany, 1500 people used the Bethnal Green Tube shelter as they expected a revenge attack. New anti-aircraft rockets were fired from nearby, causing panic. A woman with a baby fell, and 173 people died as people pushed to get to safety. Government investigations were kept secret until after the war.
What was the continuance of leisure activities like in London WW2?
- Large dance halls stayed open
throughout the war - Late afternoon performances and government-subsidised lunch concerts proved very popular
What was the disruption to daily life and work in civilian life like?
- Unexploded bombs kept people away from their homes until they were made safe.
- Civil Defence volunteers dealt
wich deach and norrine injuries on a massive scale. - More than 54000 people were killed and injured from September 1940 to May 1941.
- Limited transport and night-time blackouts made getting to work and travel difficult
What were the governments concerns on morale during the Blitz?
The first weeks of the Blitz intensified class tensions as the working-class East End suffered most. The Underground was focused in the richer West End, and thousands went there in search of shelter.Tensions eased as the German bombers shifted their focus.
The government censored the information released to the public. Propaganda campaigns (films and posters) were used to boost morale, encourage ‘safe’ behaviour, increase support for the war, and warn against spies.
