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February |
Women start to be recruited by London Fire Brigade volunteers. They will eventually become full-time on the outbreak of war. Other fire brigades gradually follow this example. |
September |
The 'Munich Crisis' prompts the start of preparations for war. Trenches are dug in London parks for use as air raid shelters; anti-aircraft guns are set up; Regional Commissioners are secretly put into post; 38 million gas marks are distributed; and an emergency evacuation scheme is prepared. From this month until the outbreak of war, Britain steps up its military preparations. Armament production is increased; the radar defence system is extended around the southern and eastern coastlines to Scotland; staff talks are held between British and French armies; and Britain agrees to provide her Expeditionary Force to support the French army on left wing, as in 1914. |
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November | Air raid precaution plans implemented by Sir John Anderson result in a big increase in expenditure. | |
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February | A decision is made to expand Army to 32 divisions. Aircraft production is ordered to expand 'to the limit'. |
April |
The Ministry of Supply is established to provide materials for the Army. A crash programme to build anti-aircraft guns is started. Further preparations are made with the establishment of Anti-Aircraft Command and the introduction of conscription for 20 and 21 year old men. |
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1 September |
Germany invades Poland and it is clear that the war is imminent. As a result, blackout regulations are introduced and the evacuation scheme is put into action. |
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2 September | The National Service Bill enables men of 18-41 to be called up. | |
September |
By the end of the month petrol rationing has been introduced; Anderson shelters start to be delivered to householders; and all British citizens are required to be registered and carry identity cards. Changes are also made to the government. The existing Cabinet is replaced by a smaller War Cabinet, New Ministries are established, including Economic Warfare; Food; Shipping; Information and Propaganda; and the Blockade of Germany. |
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January |
The lack of bombing raids on Britain prompts two fifths of the evacuees to return home. This month also sees the introduction of rationing. |
22 May | The Emergency Powers Act gives the government power over all British citizens and their property. | |
June | As the war increases in intensity, anti-invasion measures are put into place. German subjects in Britain are interned; road signs and railway station names are removed; shop signs are painted out and more than 1,000,000 men enrol in the Home Guard by the summer. | |
July - September | Further measures are taken. Anti-tank obstacles are placed across South East England and there is limited overseas evacuation of children. | |
October | As the Blitz starts, manufacture of essential materials is dispersed as a defence against bombing. | |
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May | The Fire Services are nationalized. In August it becomes known as the National Fire Service. |
December | In order to release men to fight on the front line and to ensure continued production of war materials, women are conscripted into the Services or into vital war work. |