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Air Raid patrol in London, WWII

Air Raid patrol in London, WWII


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Air Raid patrol in London, WWII

Portrait study of a man on guard to warn the city of air attacks, with rattle in his hand to announce the use of gas - his handbell to sound the All Clear. He is surrounded by sandbags - his vigilance is National Service, freely offered in a time of national emergency. Date: 1939

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Media ID 14395686

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Attack Jun16 Phoney Raid Sandbags Vigilant Watch Watchman


EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the unwavering vigilance of a lone Air Raid Patrolman during the early days of World War II in London, 1939. The man, dressed in a helmet and heavy coat, stands tall and focused, his hand poised above a rattle as he scans the sky for any signs of approaching enemy aircraft. Surrounded by sandbags for protection, his expression is one of unyielding determination and resolve. The rattle in his hand is a vital tool in the national defense effort, used to warn the city of imminent air attacks and to signal the All Clear when the threat had passed. The presence of the gas mask hanging from his neck underscores the very real and imminent danger of chemical warfare. This portrait study is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by ordinary citizens during the war, as they answered the call to National Service in the face of a national emergency. The image captures the spirit of Phoney War, a period of relative calm before the intensification of hostilities, when Londoners lived in constant fear of the next air raid. The date of the photograph is June 16, 1939, a time when the threat of war was palpable but not yet a certainty. The man's watchful gaze and steady hand serve as a testament to the resilience and courage of the British people in the face of adversity. This powerful image is a poignant reminder of a pivotal moment in history, and a testament to the human spirit in the face of uncertainty and fear.

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