Figure 1.--London did not have purpose made bomb shelters and options for the general public were limited. Thus went the Blitz on London began, people in the East End and other areas of central London sought shelter in the Tube Underground stations. The Government had not planned on this and at at first discouraged it. There were at first no facilities for civilians. This mum probably during September 1940 is making due with a packing crate for the little girl.

London did not have purpose made bomb shelters and options for the general public were limited. Thus went the Blitz on London began, people in the East End and other areas of central London sought shelter in the Tube Underground stations. The Tube was one of the lasrgest subways systems in the world. And it existed just where bomb shelters were most needed--central Londob. The Government had not planned on this and at at first discouraged it. There was concern that the poor of the East End would flock to the Tube stations and live like Troglodytes. Authorities were also worried that the stations would be unsanitary. They were not equipped with toilet facilities. Other officisls were concerned that the people woukd stay permanently out of fear. But even strong buildings and Anderson shelters could not withstand a direct hit. Thus people sought security in the Tube stations even when officials tried to keep them out, but eventually relented. People in the stations had no beds and very primitive conditions with no privacy and poor sanitation facilities. The Tube stations, however, provided a level of security not offerd by home strong points, Anderson shelters, or unreinforced buildings. Each night underground stations played host to thousands of families in London grateful for the protection they afforded. The Government and the individuals involved began preparing the stations for the long nightly ordeals. Makeshift beds were set up. The branch line of the Piccadilly Line from Holborn to Aldwych was closed as a tube line temporarily (September 1940). Authorities insdtalled toilets, bunks, canteens and chairs were fitted. Shelter marshals were appointed to organize each station. Eventually 79 stations were adapted as air raid shelters, including setting up 50,000 bunks. The Tune stations were very effective air raid shekters because they were deep and well constructee. Even the tube statiions, however, were noy impervious to German bombs. There were scattered incidents where German bombs fell directly on Tube stations causing casulsties, The worst such incident was at Bethnal Green (March 1943). A bomb caused a cave in which killed 174 people. By this time, German air raids were rare. During the height of the Blitz there would have been more people seeeking shelter.,

Created: 10:40 AM 8/20/2011
Last updated: 10:40 AM 8/20/2011