World War Two
ARP Wardens
These ARP wardens are at their post at Upton Cross School, fully kitted out with anti-gas suits, warning rattles and hand-bells; buckets and stirrup pumps to put out incendiary fires and messenger with bicycle.
(Photograph: Newham Heritage & Archives Collection)
North Woolwich Station (2)
Destruction of Station canopies at North Woolwich on "Black Saturday".
Air Raid Precautions
Stratford Central Line tube tunnels were used as air raid shelters.
Fire-watchers Equipment
The leather bag, leggings (to protect against poison gas) and steel helmet were issued to railway staff on fire watching duties during the Second World War. This kit was issued to S. Carter, engine driver.
Salute the Soldier Week Plaque
War Savings Campaign 1944. Presented by the War Office to West Ham saving commitee in appreciation of their success in Salute the Soldier week.
Part of the Newham Heritage & Archives collection
Rogers, Sgt. Maurice A.W., VC MM
Maurice Rogers (1919 - 1944) of Chadwin Road,
West Ham Fire Brigade - Fire Engine
This is a 1931 Dennis "Big 6" fire engine that served in West Ham till the 1950s.
German V2 rocket engine
German V2 Rocket the landed in Plaistow in 1944
These deadly weapons were so fast and fell from such a great height that no air raid warning could be given of their approach. This was the engine of a V2 that fell in Plaistow. Until 1982, it was buried in the back garden of 27 Redrfiffe Road, where it had been used in the 50s as a rockery and wishing well. But Mr and Mrs Limber, who moved into the house in September 1882, did not want it. After contacting the Passmore Edwards Museum arrangements were made for it to be craned over the house onto a lorry. It was then transported to the museum, who gave it a thorough clean-up. The engine is now in the care of Newham Council's Heritage & Archives Service.
.thumbnail.jpg "German V2 rocket engine")
