Catalogue Number
NMLH.1993.604
Object Name
Banner
Title
HITLER FASCISM THREATENS BRITAIN. A REAL PERIL! WE DEMAND TUNNEL SHELTERS FOR ALL. AGAINST HIGH EXPLOSIVE AND FIRE BOMBS! BOMB AND GAS PROOF. 60FT UNDERGROUND
Place
London & England & UK
People
Hitler, Adolf
Events
Second World War
Date
circa 1942
Description
Hitler Fascism Threatens Britain banner, around 1940
This banner was made for a demonstration organised by the Communist Party of Great Britain. It was in opposition to the failure of Neville Chamberlain's Conservative government to introduce immediate public safety meadures against the threat posed by air raids during World War II. Following the bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, people in Brtain feared air attacks as part of World War II, yet work only began on eight 'deep-level shelters' for London after the German bombing raids began in September 1940. Each of the shelters could house around 8,000 people and provided beds, toilets, water and fresh air. Each was 100 feet (around 30 metres) below ground and was linked to the existing 'tube' rail network.
The banner is made using un-dyed cotton canvas, and is painted on one side with black pigment paint (unidentified but possibly oil). The banner reads "HITLER FASCISM THREATENS BRITAIN A REAL PERIL! WE DEMAND TUNNEL SHELTERS FOR ALLAGAINST HIGH EXPLOSIVE & FIRE BOMBS! BOMB & GAS PROOF . 60FT UNDERGROUND".
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