Uncover Stories of Courage from the Home Front

Uncover Stories of Courage from the Home Front

Uncover Stories of Courage from the Home Front

Discover records of heroic World War II volunteers in the Civil Defence Awards collection.

Discover records of heroic World War II volunteers in the Civil Defence Awards collection.

Discover records of heroic World War II volunteers in the Civil Defence Awards collection.

Civil Defence Volunteers were critical to Britain’s war efforts during World War II.

Civil Defence Volunteers were critical to Britain’s war efforts during World War II.

As the war threatened to affect life at home almost two million people, from towns and cities throughout the country, stepped forward to serve their communities. Some as young as 15 years old worked in various key roles as air raid wardens, first aid workers, firewatchers and messengers to ensure life continued.

As the war threatened to affect life at home almost two million people, from towns and cities throughout the country, stepped forward to serve their communities. Some as young as 15 years old worked in various key roles as air raid wardens, first aid workers, firewatchers and messengers to ensure life continued.

Medals and awards were distributed to many of these volunteers, recognising moments of true bravery in the face of adversity.

Medals and awards were distributed to many of these volunteers, recognising moments of true bravery in the face of adversity.

Ordinary civilians like fire station telephonist Miss Muguette May Edith Hands had an inspirational part to play. During a raid on the 8th and 9th of April 1941, she went above and beyond the call of duty to support firefighters at the vulnerable station where she worked.

Ordinary civilians like fire station telephonist Miss Muguette May Edith Hands had an inspirational part to play. During a raid on the 8th and 9th of April 1941, she went above and beyond the call of duty to support firefighters at the vulnerable station where she worked.

In the frail, bombed-out building, she continued to answer calls and cater for returning fire crews. She was only 17 years old at the time.

In the frail, bombed-out building, she continued to answer calls and cater for returning fire crews. She was only 17 years old at the time.

A report of Miss Hand's bravery was submitted to the Inter-departmental Committee on Civil Defence Gallantry Awards. This story – along with thousands more inspirational stories – can be discovered by exploring the World War II Civil Defence Gallantry Awards collection .

A report of Miss Hand's bravery was submitted to the Inter-departmental Committee on Civil Defence Gallantry Awards. This story – along with thousands more inspirational stories – can be discovered by exploring the World War II Civil Defence Gallantry Awards collection.

*Registration required. Terms apply.