History > Key Stage 4 > Course Notes and Revision Lists

World War II – The Civilian Experience

Battle of Britain – battle for air supremacy over Britain. For Hitler this would clear the way for the land invasion. For the outnumbered Royal Air Force (RAF) it was a battle against the odds to fight off the Luftwaffe.

Blitz – Battle of Britain ended in summer as Hitler ordered his Luftwaffe to shift the focus of their attack to bombing British cities instead of hitting the RAF and their air – fields. Major target areas were cities producing war goods/ports.

Home Guard – (Dad’s Army) a volunteer defence army for men who were too old or unfit for active military service.At first they didn’t have sufficient weapons. With the regular army fighting elsewhere the Home Guard were to look out for spies/signs orf a German invasion. This released troops for more combative roles.

Evacuation – many feared the potential power of German bombers so one and half million children were evacuated in the first days of war. Taken from industrial areas and moved into the countryside/seaside. As a result of the 'phoney war' many returned home and the government were forced into a propaganda campaign to encourage evacuation. As well as children, mothers, pregnant women, disabled and teachers went also. Good and bad experiences depending on where you went who you stayed with. Many ‘foster’ parents shocked at the poor condition of many of the children.

• Air – raids – government prepared people by building shelters and setting up volunteer organizations.
• Anderson shelters – over a million given away – for use in gardens.
• Morrison shelters – for use in homes.
• ARP – Air Raid Wardens and Auxillary Fire Service.
• Women Voluntary Service – set up to help with injuries and support.
• Gas masks issued including for children – had to carry at all times.
• Ack – Ack guns to shoot at German Air Force (Luftwaffe).
• Sirens to warn of attack – warning /all clear.
• Blackout imposed/lights out during air – raid even car headlights.

By Summer 1941 more civilians killed than soldiers.

Rationing introduced as a result of submarine war. Ministry Of War set up to control supplies and advise the public.Those with babies, nurses etc given extra food. The selling of extra foods illegally (black market) flourished everywhere. The ration book was introduced to stop this. By 1943 rationiong of certain goods relaxed but not foodstuffs.

Conscription introduced for18 – 41 year olds;conscientious objectors not forced to join up; in 1941 women (unmarried 20 – 30) called up to work in many areas including Land Girls.

Censorship – Government controlled news reporting only showing bravery.

Propaganda – used extensively by government especially posters to remind people of the need to do their bit – food supply/healthy eating/factory work/wasting nothing/the nazis were the enemy. Campaign slogans – ‘Dig for Victory’; ’Careless talk costs lives’; ’Doctor Carrot’.

Role of Women – women replaced men in many traditional roles.

Winston Churchill – took over in 1940 from Chamberlain and helped to inspire people. Famous for many speeches re Dunkirk/Battle of Britain.

Pages created by J Reeve, 2006.