Why an Underground Shelter?
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The results of the bombardment of Granollers, Spain, on 31 May 1938 by Italian and German aircraft. Over 500 people were killed. (HU 34696) |
The First World War unleashed a new threat to mankind: the aerial bombardment of cities.
The bombing of undefended cities was practised during the First World War and the Spanish Civil War, causing many civilian casualties and threatening governmental stability.
The fear that cities, particularly London, would be the first targets of an enemy conducting a war against Great Britain troubled successive British governments in the 1920s and 1930s.
As the possibility of conflict increased, the question became more urgent as to how the Prime Minister, his Cabinet and the central core of the military command could be protected in the event of a war involving the European powers.
