newtownpowyswales

Decontamination squads were responsible for cleaning up the streets, roads, buildings and other material following air raids. Here the Newtown Decontamination Squad is holding an exercise. They are wearing their special clothing and breathing apparatus to protect them from gases and dangerous chemicals.

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called The British Home Guard and Civil Defense: WWII, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Children and young people had their own roles and duties alongside adults in the effort on the home front. They were often encouraged to help out with various activities. In this sewing class in a Newtown school in 1939, the girls are making covers for their gas masks. School children were constantly drilled in the care of their gasmasks and their proper use.

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called a new world, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called piece of heaven, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called soulful group, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Natural Children's Best Pictures, and we'd love to have this added to the group!

At the beginning of the war the Government believed that children, and other susceptible groups in the cities, were especially at risk during enemy bombing attacks. Therefore, millions of people were evacuated to safer areas… After arriving, groups of evacuees were led around their reception area so that they could become familiar with their new environment. Gasmasks had to be carried at all times by everyone.

That must have been so frightening back then. We have a lot to be thankful for nowadays - even if we don't realise it!!

Amazing~Great picture to put things into perspective!