Image Bank
Hartlepool
Auxiliary Fire Service drill
During the Second World War, those people not in the armed forces were expected to “do their bit” for their country. Men and women would spend their days at work and their evenings or nights carrying out a range of other duties to keep the town safe. Some kept watch for fires started by incendiary bombs, or joined the Auxiliary Fire Service (pictured here). Some enlisted with the Home Guard, prepared to defend against the threat of invasion. The Air Raid Patrol wardens helped people reach safety during a raid, and checked that no one was showing a light that could attract enemy bombers. Even young children contributed to the ‘war effort’, collecting jam jars, bottle tops and waste paper for scrap.
Activity: What's the story?
Look at the picture and read, listen to, or print the story.