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Children play as air raid wardens during the Blitz in London
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Children play as air raid wardens during the Blitz in London
Children play as air raid wardens during the Blitz in London. From left to right: Freddy Marky, Brian Pettit, Billy Few, Bobby Few, Peter McDermott and Bob, Freddys dog. This picture was taken beside a Railway line, two hundred yards from the end of Lambeth Walk. The Blitz refers to the strategic bombing campaign conducted by the Germans against London and other cities in England from September of 1940 through to May 1941, targeting populated areas, factories and dockyards. At the outbreak of the war all Londoners were given gas masks in case of attack. Children were no exception. In fact, they were given a special Mickey Mouse gas mask (age 2-4). For younger children a special hood was developed to go over their prams. It soon emerged though that chemical weapons weren t the problem, but more conventional bombs. Obviously gas masks were no protection against these so a new strategy of sending children to the country as evacuees was developed. Many children spent most of the war away from home and returned to cities ravaged by the blitz.
Circa 1941
Staff
Daily Mirror
Mirrorpix
London
England
WA*938885
Media ID 21669271
© Mirrorpix
1941 Bomb Damage Front Games Outdoors Raid World
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Children find joy amidst chaos - Playful air raid wardens during the Blitz in London
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This photograph captures a heartwarming moment of resilience and innocence amidst the devastation caused by the German bombings during World War II. Six children, dressed in makeshift air raid warden uniforms, can be seen playing fearlessly beside a railway line, just two hundred yards away from Lambeth Walk. In this snapshot frozen in time, we witness Freddy Marky, Brian Pettit, Billy Few, Bobby Few, Peter McDermott - accompanied by their loyal companion Bob the dog - embracing childhood despite the looming threat of danger. Their smiles radiate an unwavering spirit that refuses to succumb to fear or despair. During these tumultuous times when gas masks were distributed to all Londoners as protection against potential chemical attacks, even young children like them were not exempted. The image reminds us of the special Mickey Mouse gas masks designed for toddlers aged 2-4 and hoods crafted for infants in prams – precautionary measures that ultimately proved unnecessary against conventional bombs. As history unfolded with relentless bombings targeting populated areas and vital infrastructure such as factories and dockyards across England's cities from September 1940 to May 1941 – known as "The Blitz" – countless children were sent away from home as evacuees seeking refuge in safer rural areas. They returned years later only to face cities ravaged by war. This poignant print serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of youth amid adversity while reminding us of the sacrifices made by an entire generation during one of humanity's darkest chapters.
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