Anderson shelter meaning

An Anderson shelter is a type of air-raid shelter designed to protect civilians from bombings during World War II.


Anderson shelter definitions

Word backwards nosrednA retlehs
Part of speech The part of speech of "Anderson shelter" is a noun.
Syllabic division An-ders-on shel-ter
Plural The plural of Anderson shelter is Anderson shelters.
Total letters 15
Vogais (3) a,e,o
Consonants (8) a,n,d,r,s,h,l,t

Anderson shelters were small, corrugated iron structures used during World War II as air-raid shelters. These shelters were designed to protect civilians from bombings and were named after Sir John Anderson, who was the British Home Secretary at the time.

Design and Construction

The Anderson shelter was designed to be partially buried in the ground with earth heaped on top for added protection. The structure consisted of a series of curved corrugated iron panels bolted together and reinforced with strong wooden frames. The inside of the shelter could accommodate up to six people, with shelves for storing essential supplies such as food, blankets, and water.

Usage and Popularity

Anderson shelters became a common sight in towns and cities across Britain during the war. Over 3.6 million shelters were distributed to households, and they provided a vital lifeline for families seeking shelter during air raids. Despite their somewhat cramped and basic design, Anderson shelters were credited with saving numerous lives during the war.

Legacy and Historical Significance

After the war, many Anderson shelters were dismantled, but some were repurposed as garden sheds or storage units. Today, Anderson shelters serve as a poignant reminder of the hardships endured by civilians during wartime. Museums and historical sites in the UK often feature reconstructed Anderson shelters to educate visitors about this important aspect of wartime history.

protection and shelters were essential during wartime, and Anderson shelters played a crucial role in safeguarding civilian lives. These modest structures may have been simple in design, but their impact during World War II was significant and lasting.


Anderson shelter Examples

  1. During World War II, families sought refuge in their Anderson shelters during air raids.
  2. The government issued guidelines on how to properly install an Anderson shelter in your backyard.
  3. Many homes in London had Anderson shelters in their gardens to protect against bombing raids.
  4. The sound of sirens sent residents rushing to their Anderson shelters for safety.
  5. Children were often tucked into their Anderson shelters by their parents during nighttime bombings.
  6. The Anderson shelter provided a sense of security during uncertain times.
  7. Neighbours would often gather together in an Anderson shelter during air raids.
  8. The reinforced steel of the Anderson shelter offered protection from falling debris.
  9. Some families used their Anderson shelter as a makeshift storage unit after the war ended.
  10. The Anderson shelter was a common sight in British gardens during World War II.


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  • Updated 09/05/2024 - 15:06:54