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WWII: Outbreak | Britain on the brink of World War II
About this collection
On 3 September 1939, Neville Chamberlain broadcast to the nation that Britain was at war with Germany. Only a year before, it seemed a peaceful solution had been achieved with the Munich Agreement.
Experience British life on the brink of war through original news broadcasts, eyewitness accounts and commentaries on some of the key events, including the evacuation of children and the distribution of gas masks. The beginning of the BBC's wartime role, which involved a massive change to programming, is also explored through documents and photographs dating back to 1935.
Features
- Outbreak of War
- Air Raid Defence Scheme
Air Raid Defence Scheme
- We Have Been Evacuated
We Have Been Evacuated
- Britain Declares War on Germany
Britain Declares War on Germany
'This country is at war with Germany' announces the Prime Minister.
WWII: Outbreak Collection
- Programmes (20)
- Documents (12)
- Galleries (1)
Chamberlain Returns from Negotiations with Hitler
Chamberlain returns from a meeting with Hitler in Bad Godesberg.
News
Britain Begins to Prepare for War
The BBC announces Britain's home defence measures.
Chamberlain Addresses the Nation on His Negotiations for Peace
Chamberlain broadcasts to the nation after one of his last meetings with Hitler.
Chamberlain returns from Munich with Anglo-German Agreement
Richard Dimbleby is at the scene of Chamberlain's return from Munich.
News
The Government Issues Instructions on the Use of Gas Masks
News extract on one aspect of British home defence measures - gas masks.
Journey into Czechoslovakia After the Munich Agreement
An inside report from Czechoslovakia on the German occupation.
News
Polish Question: 16 Points
Germany proposes a settlement to the Polish problem.
News
Invasion of Poland
'Germany has invaded Poland and has bombed many towns.'
Evacuees Depart from Waterloo Station
Children from London depart for an unknown destination in the countryside.
News
Outbreak of War with Germany
The ultimatum to Germany is due to expire at 11.00am.
Britain Declares War on Germany
'This country is at war with Germany' announces the Prime Minister.
King George VI Addresses the Nation
The King calls for courage and faith in the battle ahead.
Survivors Recall the Sinking of the SS Athenia
The Battle of the Atlantic begins as the first British ship is sunk by the Germans.
Evacuation of Children
Teachers and a schoolgirl describe settling down in the country.
Our War Aims - Now and After: Viscount Halifax
The Foreign Secretary speaks after two months of war.
HM Queen Elizabeth Calls on Women
A message of hope and encouragement to the women of Europe.
London Hospitals in Wartime
War Comes to London Voluntary Hospitals
How various hospitals in London prepared for war.
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