Impact on civilian life

• How was civilian daily life affected during the war?

  It was affected in every way possible.
• What efforts were made to maintain morale during the war?

  People enjoyed leisure time as much as possible.
• How did government policy on shelters change over time?

  Underground stations were opened for deep shelters.
• What was the public's reaction to the opening of Underground stations as shelters?

  They felt safer in Underground stations.
• What was done to improve conditions in shelters over time?

  Beds were set up in the shelters.
• What happened to some Underground stations during the war?

  Some were hit by bombs.
• Why was news of Tube station incidents censored?

  To protect morale and prevent German knowledge.
• What was the condition of communal shelters?

  They were often overcrowded.
• Who formed a committee to run a local shelter in Spitalfields?

  Local optician Mickey Davis.
• What services did 'Micky's shelter' provide?

  Cleaning, beds, GP services, and a canteen.
• When was the Morrison shelter introduced?

  In March 1941.
• What do the disasters during the war indicate about government actions?

  The government censored information to protect morale.
• How did cinema audiences change during wartime?

  Wartime audiences increased by more than half.
• What role did cinema play during the war?

  It promoted propaganda and unity.
• What was the crowd limit for football matches in London?

  Limited to 8000 spectators.
• What types of performances were popular during the war?

  Late afternoon performances and lunch concerts.
• What system was introduced during the war regarding food and clothing?

  A system of rationing was introduced.
• What kept people away from their homes during the war?

  Unexploded bombs made homes unsafe.
• Who dealt with death and injuries on a massive scale?

  Civil Defence volunteers.
• What happened during the South Hallsville School disaster?

  It was hit in a bombing raid.
• Why was the reporting of the South Hallsville School incident banned?

  To prevent negative impact on morale.
• How many people were staying at South Hallsville School during the disaster?

  About 1000 homeless Londoners.
• What occurred during the Bethnal Green disaster?

  173 people died in a panic.
• What caused panic in the Bethnal Green Tube shelter?

  Anti-aircraft rockets fired nearby.
• When did the Bethnal Green disaster occur?

  On 3 March 1943.
• What was the government's approach to investigations after the Bethnal Green disaster?

  Investigations were kept secret until after the war.
• How did the Blitz affect class tensions in London?

  It intensified class tensions in the East End.
• Where did the Underground focus during the Blitz?

  In the richer West End of London.
• What was the effect of the German bombers shifting their focus?

  Tensions eased among the population.
• How did the government manage information during the war?

  They censored information released to the public.
• What methods were used to boost morale during the war?

  Propaganda campaigns, films, and posters.
• What happened to the population of inner London during the war?

  It fell as people moved to safer areas.
• How many people were killed and injured from September 1940 to May 1941?

  More than 54,000 people.
• What challenges did limited transport and nighttime blackouts create?

  They made getting to work and travel difficult.
• What services were disrupted due to bombing?

  Gas, electricity, and water supplies.
• How many Londoners were made homeless due to the war?

  Around 250,000 residents.