Shelter Underground

During the heavy bombing of the London Blitz in 1940-41, air raid shelter was much in demand. One of the options for those without their own shelters were the tunnels of the London Underground; it wasn't ideal, but it was shelter. We've had a look at some of the posters providing details of this shelter; here are some of the photographs. All are from November 1940; most, if not all, by official government photographer Bill Brandt. 

Shelterers at Elephant and Castle Station, along with a stationary train. Source

People sleeping on either side of the tunnel at Liverpool Street Station. Source

A woman watching her children sleep in the tunnel at Liverpool Street Station. Source

Children sleeping in the tunnel at Liverpool Street Station. Source

Shelterers sleeping in the tunnel from lifts to platform at [probably] Aldwych Station. Source

Shelterers reading the paper and getting comfortable in a tunnel, probably at Aldwych Station. Source

Sleeping people in the tunnel at Liverpool Street Station. Source

Men playing draughts [checkers] at Liverpool Street Station. Source

Shelterers bedding on the stairs at Elephant and Castle Station. Source

A family (including doll, centre!) sleeping in the tunnel at Liverpool Street station. Source

The platform and tracks at Aldwych station. Source

And, sometimes, the trains were running, too. Shelterers and passengers at Elephant and Castle station. Source