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Air Raid Precaution Collection

"Air Raid Precaution: Safeguarding Lives and Rebuilding Communities" During times of war

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: Kent authorities have speeded up the traffic marking signs on all secondary roads

Kent authorities have speeded up the traffic marking signs on all secondary roads to aid drivers should there be a general black out enforced

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: Great Western Arcade Birmingham, 1941 a42_00436

Great Western Arcade Birmingham, 1941 a42_00436
GREAT WESTERN ARCADE, TEMPLE ROW, BIRMINGHAM. The entrance to the Great Western Arcade from Temple Row with two signs for ARP Shelters visible on lamp posts in the foreground

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: The cellar at Idols / The Lazy Pig in Whitley Bay which contained a record of air raids

The cellar at Idols / The Lazy Pig in Whitley Bay which contained a record of air raids during the Second World War. 28/04/1995

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: Colmore Row Birmingham, 1941 a42_00432

Colmore Row Birmingham, 1941 a42_00432
COLMORE ROW, BIRMINGHAM. A view looking north west along Colmore Row from the junction of Church Street showing sandbags built up outside number 55 in the foreground

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth meet members of the emergency

His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth meet members of the emergency and voluntary service in the city of Coventry. 26th February 1942

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: A party of rescue workers part of the ARP seen here checking houses damage by blast for

A party of rescue workers part of the ARP seen here checking houses damage by blast for trapped residents following a day light air raid on London. 2nd October 1940

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth meet members of the emergency

His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth meet members of the emergency and voluntary service in the city of Coventry. 26th February 1942

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: An ARP (Air Raid Precaution) ware, holds up a kitten, safe

An ARP (Air Raid Precaution) ware, holds up a kitten, safe, and found under the debris of yet another air raid attack over Britain. This time its Edmonton, North London

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: Air Raid Precautions, construction of air raid shelters. October 1938

Air Raid Precautions, construction of air raid shelters. October 1938

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: Inspector and sergeants of the Cardiff City police force seen here undertaking the local

Inspector and sergeants of the Cardiff City police force seen here undertaking the local authority gas certificated instructors training course at the Law Courts in Cardiff

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: Workmen complete the sandbagging of Birminghams Magistrates

Workmen complete the sandbagging of Birminghams Magistrates Court on Corporation Street in the week following the outbreak of the Second World War. 12th September 1939

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: The surface street air raid shelters in Glouster Street near Scotswood Road, Newcastle

The surface street air raid shelters in Glouster Street near Scotswood Road, Newcastle. 11/09/1946

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: ARP Kitchen Sparkhill 20 / 10 / 1939

ARP Kitchen Sparkhill 20 / 10 / 1939
ARP Kitchen Sparkhill 20/10/1939

Background imageAir Raid Precaution Collection: Fittleworth - September 1939

Fittleworth - September 1939
The blessing of St Richard Housing. Group of people with clergy standing on the pavement alongside the housing. ARP man in foreground. George Garland Collection West Sussex Record Office Ref. No



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"Air Raid Precaution: Safeguarding Lives and Rebuilding Communities" During times of war, air raid precautions were vital in protecting civilians from the devastating effects of bombings. Kent authorities recognized the urgency and swiftly enhanced traffic marking signs on secondary roads, ensuring efficient evacuation routes for residents. In 1941, Great Western Arcade in Birmingham became a symbol of resilience as it withstood the destructive forces unleashed by enemy attacks (a42_00436). Similarly, Colmore Row in Birmingham (a42_00432) bore witness to the strength and determination of its people amidst chaos. Even royalty understood the importance of supporting emergency services during these trying times. His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth personally met with members of various emergency teams to express gratitude for their tireless efforts. The Air Raid Precaution wardens played a crucial role in safeguarding lives. In one heartwarming image, an ARP warden tenderly holds up a kitten rescued from danger – a testament to their dedication towards both humans and animals alike. Construction of air raid shelters was another significant aspect of these precautions. In October 1938, communities united to build sturdy shelters that provided refuge during bombardments – demonstrating unity amidst adversity. Local police forces also played an integral part in maintaining order during air raids. Inspector and sergeants from Cardiff City Police Force can be seen undertaking their duty diligently – ensuring safety prevailed even in moments of uncertainty. Communities rallied together to protect important establishments too. Workmen completed sandbagging Birmingham's Magistrates' Court (Magistrates') - fortifying it against potential damage caused by bombings - showcasing unwavering commitment towards preserving justice even under duress. Streets transformed into sanctuaries as surface street air raid shelters emerged near Scotswood Road in Newcastle's Glouster Street - providing solace for those seeking shelter from relentless airstrikes. Lastly, hidden within The Lazy Pig cellar at Idols in Whitley Bay, a record of air raids was discovered.