Image Licensing : Air Raid notice, issued to passengers in 1940

EDITORS COMMENTS

In this print from the STEAM Museum of the GWR, we are transported back to August 1940, a time when fear and uncertainty loomed over Britain during World War II. The image showcases an Air Raid notice issued to passengers by James Milne, the General Manager of GWR. With utmost concern for the safety of both staff and passengers, GWR felt compelled to provide clear directives in case of an air raid. The notice serves as a stark reminder of the imminent danger faced by those seeking refuge within the grandeur of railway stations. The photograph highlights one particular threat that haunted these bustling hubs: their colossal overall roofs constructed from glass, iron, steel, and wood. These magnificent structures were not only architectural marvels but also potential targets for enemy bombings. As bombs rained down on cities across Britain, there was a constant dread that these immense roofs could collapse under such relentless assault. This chilling possibility added another layer of anxiety for those sheltering beneath them while waiting anxiously on platforms. This evocative image captures a pivotal moment in history when ordinary citizens had to confront extraordinary circumstances head-on. It reminds us how even amidst chaos and destruction, organizations like GWR took every measure possible to safeguard their passengers' lives during one of humanity's darkest chapters.