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WWII Night time in London, September 1939
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WWII Night time in London, September 1939
Piccadilly after dark in the first few days of the Second World War, a man in uniform already in evidence on the streets. Date: 1939
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Media ID 23149592
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Apr19 Circus Joined Joining Londoners Outbreak Piccadilly
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This evocative photograph captures the mood of Piccadilly in London during the first few days of World War II, in September 1939. The streets are bathed in the dim glow of streetlights, casting long shadows as the night deepens. A soldier in uniform, likely newly enlisted, walks determinedly down the deserted sidewalk, adding to the growing presence of military personnel on the streets. Londoners go about their business, their faces etched with a mix of concern and resolve as they navigate the unfamiliar darkness. The iconic Piccadilly Circus, usually bustling with activity and color, stands eerily quiet and still. The neon lights of the Marquee Club and the illuminated Coca-Cola sign are the only bright spots in the otherwise somber scene. A circus tent, set up nearby, seems an odd contrast to the gravity of the situation, yet it serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The outbreak of war had brought a sense of unease and uncertainty to the city, with many citizens staying close to home and others venturing out to carry on with their daily lives. This photograph offers a glimpse into the early days of the war, when Londoners began to adapt to the new normal of blackouts, air raids, and the ever-present threat of invasion. Despite the challenges, the people of London remained steadfast, drawing strength from one another and from the knowledge that they were in this together.
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