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Digging A. R. P. shelters in Kensington Gardens, 1938
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Digging A. R. P. shelters in Kensington Gardens, 1938
Air Raid Precautions (A.R.P.) volunteers digging trenches and shelters in Kensington Gardens, London, on 26th September 1938, watched by an interested crowd. A.R.P. volunteers were mobilised at this time, and cellars and basements were requisitioned for air raid shelters; trenches were dug in the parks of large towns. Date: 1938
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Media ID 14156384
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1938 26th Digging Kensington Mobilised Parks Precautions Preparation Preparations Raid Shelters Trenches Volunteers Watched
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the spirit of resilience and community spirit that defined the United Kingdom during the turbulent years leading up to World War II. Taken on September 26, 1938, in Kensington Gardens, London, it shows A.R.P. (Air Raid Precautions) volunteers diligently digging trenches and shelters to protect the city's population from potential air raids. As the threat of war loomed large, these volunteers were mobilised en masse, and parks in large towns, including Kensington Gardens, became makeshift construction sites for essential defensive structures. The photograph reveals a dedicated team of men working together, shovels in hand, as they dig into the earth. The scene is watched intently by an interested crowd, highlighting the sense of unity and shared purpose that characterized this period. The date, September 1938, is significant as it precedes the declaration of war by just over a year, yet the urgency and determination on display are palpable. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the preparations and sacrifices made by the British people during this time. The 1930s were a decade of uncertainty and anxiety, with the specter of war casting a long shadow over daily life. This image encapsulates the spirit of resilience and determination that helped the country weather the storm, and serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
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