An Anderson shelter was a type of air raid shelter used during World War II to protect civilians from bombing attacks. Named after Sir John Anderson, who was responsible for preparing air raid precautions immediately before the war, these shelters were made from corrugated steel and were designed to be partially buried in people's gardens.

Air Raid Shelters

Air raid shelters were structures built to protect civilians during bombing raids. During World War II, various types of shelters were used to provide safety from aerial attacks.

Different Types of Air Raid Shelters

There were several types of air raid shelters used during the war, each with its own design and purpose:

• Cellars and Basements: These were commonly used in urban areas where people would take refuge during air raids.
• Railway Arches and Underground Tunnels: Often used in cities, these provided sturdy protection due to their robust construction.
• Tunnels and Caves: Natural or man-made, these offered protection from bomb blasts.
• Street Communal Shelters: Built in public areas, these shelters could accommodate multiple families at once.
• Hochbunkers: High-rise bunkers used mainly in Germany, designed to withstand heavy bombing.

Anderson Shelters - The History

The Anderson shelter was introduced in 1939, just before the start of World War II. It was distributed to households across Britain and was intended to provide protection from air raids. Made from six curved sheets of corrugated steel bolted together at the top, and with steel plates at either end, the shelter was buried in the ground with earth heaped on top to provide additional protection.

Using an Anderson Shelter

Anderson shelters were designed to accommodate up to six people and were often placed in the gardens of private homes. Families would stock their shelters with essential supplies such as food, water, and blankets, and would use them during air raid warnings.

No Garden? Big Problem.

One of the limitations of Anderson shelters was that they required a garden for installation. For those living in apartment buildings or houses without gardens, alternative air raid shelters had to be used.

Decorating Your Anderson Shelter

Some families went to great lengths to make their Anderson shelters more comfortable. They would decorate the interiors with wallpaper, furniture, and personal items to make the space more livable during long stays.

How to Build an Anderson Shelter

Building an Anderson shelter involved digging a pit at least 1.2 meters deep in the garden, assembling the corrugated steel sheets, and covering the structure with earth. Instructions for construction were provided by the government to ensure the shelters were built correctly and provided adequate protection.

Did Anderson Shelters Work?

Anderson shelters were generally effective at protecting people from bomb blasts and shrapnel. Their design allowed them to absorb the shock of explosions, and the earth covering provided additional protection. However, they were not effective against direct hits from bombs.

Morrison Shelters

In addition to Anderson shelters, Morrison shelters were also used during the war. These were indoor steel cages that could be used as both a table and a shelter, providing protection from falling debris in homes without gardens.

Were Animals Allowed in Air Raid Shelters?

Yes, many families brought their pets into air raid shelters with them. Pets were considered part of the family, and their presence often provided comfort during the stressful times of air raids.

Facts About Anderson Shelters

Here are some interesting facts about Anderson shelters:

• Distribution: Over 3.6 million Anderson shelters were distributed across Britain during World War II.
• Cost: The shelters were provided free to households earning less than £250 per year; others could buy them for £7.
• Named After: The shelter was named after Sir John Anderson, who was responsible for air raid precautions.
• Materials: Made from corrugated steel, these shelters were both strong and flexible.
• Protection: While effective against shrapnel and blast damage, they could not withstand a direct hit from a bomb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What was an Anderson shelter made from? - Anderson shelters were made from corrugated steel sheets and steel plates.
• How many people could fit in an Anderson shelter? - They were designed to accommodate up to six people.
• Where were Anderson shelters placed? - They were typically installed in the gardens of private homes.
• Were Anderson shelters effective? - Yes, they were effective at protecting against bomb blasts and shrapnel, but not against direct hits.
• How much did an Anderson shelter cost? - They were free for low-income households and cost £7 for others.