Anderson Shelter Facts

Here are some facts about Anderson Shelters, popular air raid shelter used during the Blitz.

 

• The Anderson shelter was designed in 1938.

• It was named after Sir John Anderson, the man responsible for preparing Britain to withstand German air raids.

• Anderson shelters were designed for 6 people.

• The construction of the shelter was reasonably simple. The main part of the shelter was formed from six corrugated steel panels. Flat corrugated steel panels were bolted on to form the sides and end panels (one of which contained the door).

• The shelters measured 1.4m wide, 2m long and 1.8m tall. They were quite cramped and someone taller than 6ft would not have been able to stand up in one.

• Once constructed, the Anderson shelters were buried over 1 metre in the ground and then they were covered over with a thick layer of soil and turf.

• Anderson shelters were free to those with an annual income of less than £250. For those who didn’t fall into this category, the price was £7.

• Approximately 3.5 million Anderson shelters were built either before the war had started or during the conflict.

• Anderson shelters were very effective at saving lives and preventing major injuries during air raids, but they were really cold during the winter months. To try to prevent people going back to their warm houses at night when the weather got colder, the Government issued some guidelines about how to make the Anderson shelters more comfortable. They also developed the Morrison shelter which could be used indoors.

• Many Anderson shelters have survived to this day. Lots were dug up and used as garden sheds.

• Families were provided with the materials and were expected to construct the Anderson shelters from a set of instructions.

Find out more about other types of air raid shelters, check out some facts about the Blitzand look at our BBC World War 2 links on the next page.

 

Have a look at our photos of our Anderson shelters models!