What was an incendiary bomb? Incendiary bombs were filled with highly flammable (easy to set on fire) substances which would start fires once they had hit the ground. The aim of using incendiary bombs was to cause as many fires as possible. How were they used? During an air raid a pilot would drop a number of incendiary bombs across an area of land. The highly flammable substance inside each bomb would... 

What were identity cards? Identity cards (or National Registration Cards) were introduced by the government during World War II. Written on them was the owner’s name, date of birth, address and any changes of address. Why were they important? Identity cards had a number of different uses. For example, the government could use them to check which men were old enough to go to war and fight for their... 

What were the booklets for? Because of rationing people didn’t have access to as many supplies as they had done before the war. There were major shortages of a number of things including food and clothes, and because of this people needed advice on how to make the most of what they had. The government decided to distribute self-help booklets which contained practical tips which would help guide people... 

Every year on November 11th Britain pays respect to its soldiers, remembering those who have fallen in wars gone by and those still fighting for their country today. In the days and weeks leading up to this day of remembrance poppies are a common sight, fastened to the breast of adults and children alike. But how did the poppy come to symbolize a nation’s remembrance of its troops….? Flanders... 

What was rationing? During World War II the government limited the amount of food and other items which British people could buy. This was called rationing. Why was it important? Before the war Britain imported an awful lot of food such as meat, sugar, tea and fruit. During the war Germany decided to attack the ships which brought food into Britain, making it very difficult for the country to receive... 

What is a gas mask? A gas mask is a mask which is placed over the face to stop the user from breathing in dangerous gasses which may harm them. Why were they used during WW II? During World War I (1914-1918) many soldiers had been badly injured, or killed, when their enemies threw bombs at them which released poisonous fumes when they exploded. During World War II Britain was very worried that these... 

When did the blackout begin in Britain? The blackout began on September 1st 1939, two days before Britain declared war on Germany. What was the aim of a blackout? The aim of a blackout was to make it as difficult as possible for German pilots to see the land below and know where to drop their bombs. Because most air raids happened in the evening any light from the ground below would make it very easy...