WWII British Blitz London A.R.P Warden Brass Hand Bell Air Raid Bell COA

Description

Comes with C.O.A.
“The handbell was one of the sounds of an air raid. A warbling siren, or blasts on a hooter signaled the beginning of an air raid. A continuous siren, or the ringing of the handbell let people know that the attack was over.”
This incredible WWII British A.R.P warden’s air raid bell was used during the German 'Blitz' of Britain. Also referred to as a Blitzkrieg ('lightning war') the Blitz was the sustained campaign of aerial bombing attacks on British towns and cities carried out by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) from September 1940 until May 1941.
This large brass handbell was used in World War II to signal the 'All Clear' after air raids. During the war, the German Air Force bombed heavily populated areas and important targets such as factories and stations. Air raids were the biggest danger to the British population - over 60,000 died in air raids during the war, and whole areas, including parts of London, were reduced to rubble.
People followed a drill to take shelter whenever there was an air raid. When they heard the siren, everyone streamed out of workplaces, classrooms and homes to take shelter in the nearest underground station, basement or Anderson shelter in the back garden. Then they waited, sometimes for many hours, until they heard the signal that the danger had passed.
The sirens and hooters were loud and could be heard across many streets, covering a wide area. But some shelters, like underground stations, were deep below the ground, and the signals couldn't be heard. Then, the ARP warden in the shelter received the All Clear by telephone or messenger and rang the handbell to let everyone know that it was safe to leave.