Museums

This whole project is based around World War 2.This page is about Air Raid Precautions. Air raids were a form of attack which would be sprung on each country at any time.This meant you would always be carrying a gas mask with you. 2 thirds of ARP's were voluntee rs.There were 1.5 million in civil defence. These were normal civilians not fighting for there country but taking care of the injured and putting out fires.1 in 6 AR wardens were women.AR wardens would have to fill out a report every time something out of the ordinary happened.Even though gas masks were carried out for the whole of the war no gas bombs were ever dropped.Gas masks were carried around in a small bag with a tin of cleaning applicant inside.
When we interveiwed Mr Bill Stokes he talked of shelters.He told that towards the end of the war they didn't bother going to bed at night but straight to the shelter because no doubt that in the middle of the night there would be an air raid siren and they would have to go down to it anyway. To get this information we had to work with a woman called Julia Kingston.She is an education officer at the Sandwell Museum.They collect artifacts from peolpe who offer them and put them on display.There are 5 museums around this area. These are the Oakhouse,Wensbury,Hadenhill House,Bishop Ashbury Cottage and Tipton Heratige centre. It was Edward Richards who put money towards the museum and it is run by the council. Here is a picture of Julia holding a helmet.