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One of my early memories was seeing a number of lorries loaded with large pieces of metal which turned out to be Anderson shelters — every household received one - to be constructed by the Males of the household.
During the next few days there was a sound of digging In the area as quite deep holes were made for the shelter to be assembled — I have no doubt there must have been discussion as to what went down there.
When the shelter was completed — on the brick base — we moved in and had a discussion as to where the bunks and seats — a cupboard with emergency rations — bottles — tins of food — cutlery — first aid kit and whatever else might be called for.
In the house various bags were ready to be picked up at the sound of a siren.
As soon as the drone of the siren was heard our parents would wake us up and the drill took place — as soon as we were installed our farther would say goodnight to us all and of we would go to the local air raid wardens post where he was a member of the A.R.P — (he could not void the forces as he had already served and been gassed during the first world war)
At this time everyone was issued with a gas mask — which had to be carried around at all times — (some of this type of gas mask was seen recently on doctor who) and a gas mask practice was held at school quite often. Babies were issued with a special type which fitted over a carrying cart — and of course air raid wardens — fire fighters etc their mask were completely different again.

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