Britain’s Preparations for WW1 and WW2

Sarah Evans

Defense of the Realm Act

Brought in in 1914 because of WW1. It gave the government extra powers over the public. People could not:

Talk about military mattersLight bonfires/firesBuy binocularsBuy whisky or brandy in a railwayRing church bellsFly a kiteUse invisible letters when writing abroadMelt down gold/silverTrespass on railways/bridgesLater the government also brought in Daylight Saving Time, controlled alcohol, new

constables, strikes were illegal and miners and farmers not to join the army.

Sandbags

Sandbags were used to protect buildings and shelters. They stopped bullets and shrapnel but were useless against a bomb from above. However they were spread about and used in many places.

Home Guard

The Home Guard were a group of volunteers set up to protect the coastline and the country against invasion as all troops wee abroad. They would usually be men too old to fight in the war. They were for observation, light attacks on enemies and defense of the public.

Evacuation

Evacuation was when children, pregnant women, teachers and the disabled were sent to the country for protection from the Blitz. Evacuation started in 1939 during the Phony War, 2 years before the Blitz started. It was a way of keeping people safe but also increasing food supplies for the cities as they country could provide for themselves.

People who were evacuated were normally there for years and were often very healthy due to fresh air and more healthy food.

Rationing

Rationing was introduced for WW1 in 1918 to prevent food shortages. It was voluntary at first but there was still a lack of food so it was made compulsory. Sugar, butter, meat and cheese were all rationed, people were given ration cards and had to sign up to a local butchers and grocers.

In WW2 compulsory rationing was brought out straight away and not just food was rationed. Coupons were given out for everyday items such as clothes, with each person having a certain amount of coupons for items each month.

Air Raid Shelters

In 1939 most houses were issued with an Anderson shelter which was sheets of corrugated iron built into a shelter to protect against the Blitz. They were put in the gardens and even in local parks for people to use. They were ready stocked with food and supplies to

use if they needed.

Gas Masks

Gas masks were given out in 1939 to everyone. They would carry them around everywhere with them in case of a gas attack. Even though gas attacks never occurred, people were still scared of the threat and posters, demonstrations and gas drills were all carried out. By September 1930 over 38 million gas masks had been given out with special ones for children and babies.