Surviving the Blitz - Worksheet

In a worksheet focused on understanding the experiences of Londoners during the Blitz, students are tasked with various activities to engage with the historical context of World War II air raids. The first task requires students to draw and label an Anderson or Morrison shelter, which were prevalent during the Blitz. They must then compare the two shelters, noting differences in their design and discussing which one provided better protection and comfort during air raids. Additionally, students are asked to reflect on the communal spirit that developed among Londoners during this period and consider its impact on Hitler's plans to force England into surrender.

Primary sources A and B offer personal accounts from individuals who were children during the Blitz, providing insight into the psychological impact of the air raids. Students are prompted to analyze how the child in source A was affected, exploring the fears and worries that children faced, and understanding why they might have had to adopt adult behaviors. Source B challenges the notion of a strong communal spirit, presenting a perspective of fear and horror that contradicts the more romanticized views of wartime camaraderie. The worksheet also includes historical information about the Anderson shelters, which were distributed by the government and typically placed in gardens, and the indoor Morrison shelters, designed for those without garden space. The narrative touches on the bombing of London, the use of tube stations as shelters, and the sense of community that emerged as Londoners sought to support each other through the relentless air raids.