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Underground town in England impervious to flying bombs
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Underground town in England impervious to flying bombs
An underground town in southern England impervious to flying bombs. A town somewhere in southern England (not named by the Illustrated London News, but quite possibly the Chislehurst Caves) where nature provided safe shelters for the residents - deep caves in which they sleep soundly, oblivious to the flying bombs. Life in the caves in watched over by shelter wardens, who see to the peoples comfort and settle their difficulties. Many amenities have been provided, and the cave-dwellers have organised their own social life underground which includes whist drives, concerts and Divine Service. Date: 1944
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Media ID 14344282
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bombs Cave Caves Hymn Safe Safety Shelter Shelters Singing Southern Underground
EDITORS COMMENTS
In the heart of southern England during the tumultuous year of 1944, a unique community thrived beneath the earth's surface, impervious to the relentless barrage of flying bombs that ravaged the land above. This unnamed town, not identified by the Illustrated London News but believed to be Chislehurst Caves in Kent, offered a sanctuary to its residents as they sought refuge from the chaos of World War II. Nature had bestowed upon them a precious gift - deep, extensive caves that provided a safe haven from the devastating air raids. The cave-dwellers slept soundly, oblivious to the carnage unfolding above ground. Their days were watched over by dedicated shelter wardens, who ensured their comfort and mediated their disputes. The subterranean world was not devoid of amenities. Toilets, washing facilities, and even a kitchen provided the basic necessities for survival. The cave-dwellers had even managed to organise their own social life underground, with whist drives, concerts, and Divine Services bringing a semblance of normalcy to their extraordinary existence. The haunting image captured by the Illustrated London News depicts a scene of community and resilience in the face of adversity. A group of women and children huddle together, singing hymns during a service, their faces illuminated by the dim light of the cave. The men stand at the edges, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. Despite the challenges, life in the underground town continued, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human race. The caves offered a sanctuary, a place of safety and solace, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, community and hope can prevail.
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