Civilian Air Raid Shelters

World War II Air Raid Precautions

A Testament to British Ingenuity

During World War II, the United Kingdom faced sustained bombing campaigns by the German Luftwaffe, particularly during the Blitz (1940-1941). To protect civilians a range of air raid shelters were developed and used throughout the country, especially in large towns and cities. These shelters varied in design, size, and materials, catering to different needs and circumstances.

1. Anderson Shelters

The most well-known was the Anderson shelter, named after Sir John Anderson, the British Home Secretary, and introduced in 1939. These shelters were designed for individual households and were installed in back gardens. Made of corrugated steel sheets, Anderson shelters were semi-buried in the ground with earth piled on top for additional protection.

Features:

• It was designed to accommodate up to six people.
• Affordable: distributed free to low-income families with annual incomes of less than £250 (equivalent to approximately £14,700 today) and sold for £7 to others.
• Effective against bomb shrapnel and falling debris, but vulnerable to direct hits.
• Anderson shelters were widely used and proved invaluable during air raids, although they could be uncomfortable due to damp and cold conditions. As many casualties came from falling debris in and around houses and other buildings, the Anderson Shelter provided a simple but effective shelter.

2. Morrison Shelters

Introduced in 1941, Morrison shelters were named after Herbert Morrison, the Minister of Home Security. Unlike the Anderson shelter, the Morrison shelter was designed for indoor use.

Features:

• Constructed as a steel-framed table with a wire mesh cage underneath.
• Accommodated up to four people.
• Protected from collapsing buildings rather than direct bomb blasts.
• Popular in urban areas where gardens were scarce or unsuitable for Anderson shelters.
• The Morrison shelter’s dual-purpose design as a shelter, and a table made it practical for indoor use.

3. Public Air Raid Shelters

Public shelters were built to accommodate large numbers of people during air raids which ranged from simple brick structures to underground facilities.

Types:

• Brick and Concrete Shelters: Constructed in public spaces like parks, or close to factories. These shelters were often reinforced with steel and provided basic seating.
• Underground Shelters: Included, disused tunnels, such as sections of the London Underground, and purpose-built shelters like the deep-level shelters in London.
• Basements and Cellars: Reinforced basements of buildings served as shelters in some urban areas.
• While public shelters provided safety, they were often overcrowded, and conditions could be unhygienic.

4. London Underground Stations

The London Underground played a crucial role as a refuge during air raids. Stations were adapted to accommodate civilians, with sleeping areas and basic facilities installed.

Challenges:

• Initial reluctance by authorities to use Underground stations due to fears of disrupting transport.
• Overcrowding and concerns about public morale.
• Health risks from poor ventilation and sanitation.

After heavy bombing raids in early September 1940, thousands of Londoners flocked to underground stations against government advice, rather than using Anderson shelters. The police didn’t intervene, and some station managers provided additional toilet facilities.

On 21 September 1940, government policy was changed, and 79 stations were fitted with bunks for 22,000 people and 124 canteens. First aid facilities and chemical toilets were also supplied. The underground stations housed only 170,000 people during World War Two bombing raids, but they were regarded as one of the safest forms of shelter.

5. Trenches and Makeshift Shelters

Trenches and makeshift shelters were common in rural areas or smaller towns, these were often dug into the ground and reinforced with timber or corrugated iron.

Drawbacks:

• Limited protection compared to purpose-built shelters.
• Exposure to weather conditions makes them uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe.

Legacy and Impact

The effectiveness of these shelters varied, but they undoubtedly saved countless lives. The experience of using air raid shelters also fostered community spirit and resilience among the population.

After the war, many Anderson and Morrison shelters were repurposed or dismantled, though some still survive as historical artefacts. Many were dug up and used as garden sheds.

Public shelters and disused tunnels were closed or adapted for other uses, while the London Underground remains a vivid reminder of Britain’s wartime experience.

Air raid shelters were a testament to British ingenuity and determination during a time of great adversity, reflecting the nation's commitment to protecting its people under extraordinary circumstances.