000442

Description

A file containing documents relating to a report on the morale and living conditions in Coventry, Bristol, Southampton, Cheltenham, Liverpool, and Manchester, after they had suffered from air raids. Documents contained in the file include a copy of the findings of the report; and official correspondence criticising both the report and its circulation. Topics covered by the report include the effects of air raids on these towns; the opinion of the public on air raids and air-raid precautions; attitudes towards central government and local authorities; the adequacy of air-raid shelters; and the spread of rumours. Other topics covered include the effects of press and radio stories relating to air raids; the relationship between civilians and billeted military personnel; the levels of recreation and entertainment engaged in by the public; and the reaction of the public to bomb damage.

Keywords

air raids, air-raid precautions, air-raid shelters, air-raid warnings, anti-aircraft defences, bomb damage, buses, children, cinemas, civil defence, communal feeding, communications, Conservative Party, construction materials, Daily Mail, dairy, defeatism, disease, drunkenness, electricity, entertainment, evacuation, evacuees, fire services, first aid, food supplies, fuel, gas, George VI, homelessness, infrastructure, Irish nationals, local authorities, Lord Haw-Haw, meals, military billeting, milk, motor vehicles, newspapers, petrol, police, propaganda, public houses, public morale, public opinion, public transport, race relations, radio broadcasts, recreation, rest centres, rumours, social class, soldiers, standard of living, The Blitz, theatre, towns, transportation, volunteers, water supply