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Description: | During World War Two bombing of civilian populations became common. It became necessary for countries to construct bomb shelters; some countries adopted this differently, for example the German construction of Hockbunkers (high rise bunkers). The British Government provided a variety of shelters to its population including public shelters, but the Anderson Shelter was perhaps the best known. This shelter was intended for civilian use and was distributed to the general public, free to homes considered to have a low income and for other homes for a small fee. The shelter was designed by William Paterson and Oscar Carl (Karl) Kerrison in 1938. It was named after Sir John Anderson, then Lord Privy Seal with special responsibility for preparing air-raid precautions. Designed to accomodate up to six people, the corrugated iron walls of the anderson shelter were meant to be buried in the ground and covered with earth, making them a very effective shelter that could be easily mass produced. Before the outbreak of war, more than 1.5 million shleters were distributed, and an estimated 2.1 million more were erected during the war. Though highly effective at protecting from bomb blasts, the Anderson shelter had some problems: it was cold and damp and often collected rainwater in its base. This leaflet was intended to help civilians to make their Anderson shelters more comfortable and easier to live with in the winter. It is intended to address some of the main problems with the shelter, and covers dealing with damp, groundwater, cold, and sleeping arrangements to make best use of space. The booklet includes dimensions for constructing bunks from timber (it assumes a basic competency with building materials which was common at the time) and a diagram for arranging bunks in levels inside the shelter. Diagrams are also provided for insulate warm drinks. The book takes pains to deal with the issue of warmth which was an important factor during the winter in an uninsulated shelter. Details are given on using paper to insulate bunks, making sleeping bags, using hot water bottles etc. It also provides information on waterproofing the Anderson Shelter, trying to reduce moisture and ground water in the shelter. The booklet is printed in blue ink and was issued by the ministry of home security.
Leaflet by the Ministry of Home Security, entitled 'Your Anderson Shelter this Winter'. | License: | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/uk/ | Publisher: | Wolverhampton Arts and Museums Service | Rights holder: | Wolverhampton Arts and Museums Service | Subjects: | Printed ephemera Local history First World War (1914-1918) Ephemera | Temporal: | 1939 - 1945
Second World War (1939-1945) | Source: | Black Country History | Identifier: | http://www.blackcountryhistory.org/colle... | Go to resource |
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