Bomb Shelters(Germany)

By: Sujany T and Nigarsini S

Summary:Bomb Shelters, are commonly known as Air-raid shelters. They were built for citizens as protection during bombings in WWII. Bomb shelters could also be thought as bunkers. Recently, an old WWII bomb shelter that protected many citizens in Carshalton Park, has been found, in Germany. 

This bomb shelter could hold up to a thousand people. Historians have said that the Carshalton Park was hit many times due to the German Luftwaffe bombers during the war. Historians believe that the shelter “consisted of a rectangle of four corridors, approximately five feet across”.

This was the only way for anyone to survive bombs and other massive weapons that were used to attack, in WWII. Not many civilians died because when the sirens began - most civilians, like Liesel’s family and friends, fled to their nearest bomb-shelters for protection.

Relevant Quotes:
This Bomb Shelter can also be related to the Book Thief. One example is during the air-raids or bombings in Germany, Liesel and everyone else on her block flee to 45 Himmel Street’s basement.
Their basement was approved to be safe and had protection against any air-raids that might fall towards them. Hans Hubermann states during the first air-raid or bombing, “This way…..we can hear when the raids are coming even before the sirens start. They make a cuckoo sound and then announce the regions at risk.”

This siren will make sure the people are aware of another air-raid and that they should move to a safe place. The Narrator says that, “Even from the cellar, they could vaguely hear the tune of bombs.” This shows how loud and violent the air-raid was.

The Narrator once again says, “…to shut out the din of the basement, Liesel opened one of her books and began to read.” This shows how she kept everyone calm and entertained in the cellar while the real air-raid ended.

Interesting Facts:
People would bring games, books, food and bottled drinks inside these shelters to keep themselves entertained while the air-raids took place.

Several people and many families sheltered themselves under their staircase for protection because they thought it was the best place to be.

One in every five schools and buildings were destroyed or damaged by bombs.

Here is a VIDEO about an air-raid shelter that has been found in Devonport Park;



Resources:

Ganette Company.  (January 10, 2012).  Forgotten WWII air raid shelter discovered in Carshalton Park.  Retrieved from http://www.yourlocalguardian.co.uk/news/9460862.Forgotten_air_raid_shelter_discovered_in_Carshalto/

BBC Primary History.  (2012). World War 2: Air raids – the Blitz.  Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/world_war2/air_raids/

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4BZJ9VJJ6g

“This way…..we can hear when the raids are coming even before the sirens start. They make a cuckoo sound and then announce the regions at risk.” (Zusak, 371)

“Even from the cellar, they could vaguely hear the tune of bombs.” (Zusak, 380)

“…to shut out the din of the basement, Liesel opened one of her books and began to read.” (Zusak, 381)