Air Raids book

Civil Defence

Air Raids book

By the time this book was published, air raids had become a grim fact of life. Knowing how to prepare for and respond to an air raid was now of vital importance.

According to the introduction, over a million copies of this book had been sold in its first year. It is well illustrated with photographs and drawings, and includes a foreword by Herbert Morrison, Minister for Home Security.

Subjects covered include:

  • Civilian and civil defence
  • Incendiary bombs and fire precautions
  • High explosives
  • Shelters
  • War gases
  • First aid
  • Lighting restrictions

The book was re-written in 1941 in the light of experience gained in actual air raid situations. This copy dates from 1942 (or later) as it includes an addendum printed in that year.

These pictures show how to tackle a fire caused by an incendiary bomb. A stirrup pump was recommended for this purpose.

A typical Anderson air raid shelter. This was the most common and best-known type of outdoor domestic shelter.

Civilian gas masks were available in a range of standard sizes. Readers were urged to have their masks ready for use at all times.

Exhibit data

Museum number:

1878

Date:

1942

Approx. size:

12 x 18 cm
(4¾ x 7 in)