© IWM HU 36137
Life on the Home Front played a huge role in Britain's war effort during World War II.
The period is best remembered for rationing, evacuees, The Blitz, Home Guard, propaganda and the role of the monarchy.
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth became the face of the war effort at home following the bombing of Buckingham Palace on 13 Sept. 1940.
Refusing to leave London, the royal couple visited bomb sites, factories etc. to boost morale!
Before the start of World War II, Britain imported around two-thirds of its food. Once war was declared in Sept. 1939, the British Government had to find ways to ration foodstuffs as German U-boats were attacking British supply ships.
The Air Raid Wardens Service was created in 1937. The service was responsible to reporting incidents, offering advice and to reassure the public.
The first air raid shelters were given out in 1938.
© IWM Art.IWM PST 3095 © IWM (Art.IWM PST 13871)
'Blackout'
From the 1 September 1939, 'Blackout' was enforced. Windows in houses, offices and factories were 'blacked out' to stop enemy pilots using lights to locate targets. Towns and cities used white paint to highlight kerbs; dimmer shades on lorry headlights etc.
Operation Pied Piper started on 1 September 1939, just 2 days prior to Britain declaring war on Germany.
Over 1.5 million people were evacuated during the war, 800,000 of these being children - from target cities like London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.
Originally called the Local Defence Volunteers (LDV), the Home Guard was set up in May 1940 and was to be the last line of defence against German invasion. Men aged 17-65 were eligible to join the Home Guard.
Over 1.7 million men joined the Home Guard, with 1,206 being killed while on duty over the course of the war.
Aberdeen suffered the greatest number of air raids in Scotland during the warthe city came under attack 34 times.
The first daylight air raid on Aberdeen occurred on 12 July 1940 - known locally as 'Black Friday.
