MUSEUM DISPLAYS
HOMEFRONT HALL
Find out about what life was like for families during the War years. What were the key roles that women were relied on to perform whilst men were doing their utmost keeping the country safe from attack? What was life like for children who stayed at home - and those who were evacuated to safer locations? What was it like doing the weekly shop, and if the ladies were fortunate to get out and about, what did they wear? From 1941 women between the ages of 18 and 60 were obliged to register for war-work. Even those who were pregnant or had a child under age 14 and even those with significant domestic responsibilities were encouraged to volunteer, many for the Women's Land Army.
LISTEN - AIR RAID SIREN!
Whilst the women at home were doing their best to achieve normality for the rest of the family, what were the men doing - especially the younger men, and the older ones who perhaps fought abroad in WW1? Life for them wasn't all about joining the forces, there were numerous jobs at home that had to be covered by those who stayed in the UK. From Utility Workers to Farmers, Miners, Merchant Seamen, the list was long and they were known as 'protected occupations'. Many older men joined the Home Forces to help protect those at home.
POLICE STATION
Due to the war the duties of the Police increased immeasurably. Over and above their usual tasks of dealing with criminals, keeping the peace, and ensuring the traffic kept moving, the Police had vital wartime duties; like helping with rescue services during and after bombing raids, searching for deserters, stopping looting, making sure black markets were dealt with and of course - investigating deaths, as criminals were taking advantage of the number of deaths caused by air raids and that made it impossible for the police to investigate them all. Murder carried the death penalty.
