Image Bank
Swansea
The Wesley Chapel
During air raids, people at home went into Anderson or Morrison shelters, or cupboards under the stairs. In towns there were some large specially built shelters, but nowhere near enough, and lots had to use cellars of big buildings. Swansea people got into the habit of sleeping in the basement of this huge chapel in the town centre, even though there was only a wooden floor above them ! They took in pillows, blankets and deck chairs, and fish and chips for their supper.
On 21st February, 1941 the huge fires caused by the bombing closed in on the chapel, and a rumour swept around the town that more than a hundred people had been burnt alive. Old people still believe it really happened. Actually it was probably a police sergeant who took the initiative and led everybody out in the nick of time.