Would you believe or Did you know?

[Peter Clare]

AIR RAID SHELTERS
During the war, a total of 2,250,000 Anderson air raid shelters were erected in Britain. Named after its designer, Dr David A. Anderson, they cost seven pounds for those earning over 250 Pounds Sterling per year, free for those earning less. The Ministry of Home Security ordered that these shelters must be up by June 11, 1940, and that they be covered by earth to a depth of 15 inches on top and 30 inches on sides and back. In the spring of 1941, the Morison shelter was introduced, a low steel cage for use indoors. Cost was the same as for the Anderson shelter. When the sides were folded down the steel top could be used as a table. A total of 38 million gas-masks were also distributed. By 1941, public air raid shelters in London were fitted with 462,000 bunks for adults and 11,000 for children. Bunks were also provided in 46 of London's Tube Stations. Stacked in warehouses were millions of cardboard coffins in expectations of many dead from air raids.

[Peter Clare]

John Cruickshank

John Alexander Cruickshank VC is a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Cruickshank was born 20 May 1920 in Aberdeen, Scotland. He enlisted in the Royal Artillery in May 1939, serving there until 1941 when he transferred to the RAF. He underwent flight training in Canada and the US, earning his wings in July 1942. After further training, he was assigned to 210 Sqn. in March 1943, piloting in Consolidated Catalina flying boats.
He was 24 years old, and a flying officer in 210 Squadron, Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 17 July/18 July 1944 Flying Officer Cruickshank, on anti-submarine patrol in the North Atlantic, was attacking a U-boat in a hail of flak shells when one burst inside the aircraft, causing a great deal of damage. One member of the crew was killed and two wounded, and although he too had been hit - it was later found that he had 12 wounds, two serious wounds to his lungs and ten penetrating wounds to his lower limbs - Flying Officer Cruickshank went in again, releasing his depth charges, which straddled the U-boat perfectly, and it sank. On the hazardous 5 1/2-hour return journey the flying officer several times lost consciousness, but insisted on helping to land the Catalina.
Cruickshank recovered sufficiently to return to administrative duties by December 1944 but did not return to flying command. He left the RAF in September 1946 to return to an earlier career in banking. He retired from this in 1977.
In March 2004 the Queen unveiled the first national monument to Coastal Command at Westminster Abbey, London. Cruickshank said in an interview after the ceremony: "When they told me that I was to get the VC it was unbelievable. Decorations didn't enter my head." Four VC's were awarded to Coastal Command in the war; the others were posthumous.
He is a living recipient and the last surviving VC for air action in World War II (as of June 2006). He later achieved the rank of flight lieutenant.

Originally Posted by Kyt

[[*]The civilian population is sacrosanct. No looting nor wanton destruction is permitted to the soldier. Landmarks of historical value or buildings serving religious purposes, art, science, or charity are to be especially respected. Deliveries in kind made, as well as services rendered by the population, may only be claimed if ordered by superiors and only against compensation.

I'm sure I read a few years back of a German solider who, after the fall of France, decided to use the Menin Gate as a public urinal as an insult to the Allied dead of WW1. His superior officer saw him, had him taken around the back of the nearest building and shot for desecrating a war memorial.
Also British subjects tending war cemetries were allowed to stay in occupied countries as neutral subjects. Suffice to say many of them either headed home or stayed and helped the resistance.

[Kyt]

Originally Posted by Kitty

I'm sure I read a few years back of a German solider who, after the fall of France, decided to use the Menin Gate as a public urinal as an insult to the Allied dead of WW1. His superior officer saw him, had him taken around the back of the nearest building and shot for desecrating a war memorial.

Probably got caught during Hitler's visit. But it'd be a great deterrent to those p**s artists outsides nightclubs

Originally Posted by Kitty

Also British subjects tending war cemetries were allowed to stay in occupied countries as neutral subjects. Suffice to say many of them either headed home or stayed and helped the resistance.

Yea, I heard that too - but I can't get a better picture of the actual state of affairs after the war. Do you have any more information?

Afraid not. I saw it in the question section of the Daily Mail about 5-7 years ago. Maybe the CWGC will have details?

[Kyt]

Originally Posted by Kitty

the Daily Mail

AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!! Penalty points for that!

Originally Posted by Kyt

AAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHHHH!!! Penalty points for that!

Oh come on! It's the funniest thing I read! It's not intentionally being funny, mind you. And they regularly have WW2 stories in there. And Garfield.

[Kyt]

Originally Posted by Kitty

Oh come on! It's the funniest thing I read! It's not intentionally being funny, mind you. And they regularly have WW2 stories in there. And Garfield.

In that case I find Mein Kampf hilarious

I also found this thread that's interesting re: cemetries -

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/fo...php/t6316.html

There's nothing like a Daily Mail rant to make you laugh.

[Kyt]

Originally Posted by Kitty

There's nothing like a Daily Mail rant to make you laugh.

I suppose that counts as a "would you believe or did you know?"