BBC HomeExplore the BBC


Accessibility help
Text only
BBC Homepage
BBC Radio


Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 
World War 2 - Audio Clips Library
20. Air raid siren sounds the 'All clear'
Checking the skies
Checking the skies are clear
 View photo
The air raid warning system was developed in 1938/9 and would become very familiar to those living in large cities.

Air raid sirens were placed on the top of tall buildings - often police stations or similar - or on the top of poles if no suitable building could be found.

In cities the sirens were powered electrically and produced two signals. The first was the warning - a rising and falling signal, created by varying the power to the siren. The second was the 'all clear' - a single, continuous note.

After it was confirmed the skies were clear of enemy aircraft the 'all clear' would sound. It brought relief to countless thousands as they made their way wearily out of shelters to resume daily life. 


See also
BBC World Class

BBC World Class
Find out more about school twinning




About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy