Image Bank
Swansea
A.R.P. warden’s bell, whistle and helmet
The main job of the wardens was to get people to safety during air raids. His bell and whistle (as well as his gas rattle) were to attract attention in the middle of all the noise. It could be a very difficult job.
Elaine Kidwell became a warden in Swansea in 1939. She was 17.
She remembers trying to move people from a shelter beside a burning brewery on the edge of the town of Swansea in February 1941. “...the whole world seemed to be on fire…we had to mime what we wanted to communicate…” If they would just cross the river bridge, they would be safe, but some were frightened, and when she yelled at them said they would tell her mother about her – they had known her as a little girl. Eventually the older wardens swore at them, and pushed them until they crossed.
Activity: Connections
Look at the picture and read, listen to, or print the story.
Now think about how any of the pictures might connect, save the Connections Write Sheet and use your imagination to explain how you think they could connect.