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TOWN HALL

6 Comments

Dignitaries outside the Townhall. Wartime
Dignitaries outside the Townhall. Wartime
Photo: RON HUNT
Views: 1,834
Item #: 19996
A photograph taken during the Second World War of a group of Dignitaries outside of the Town Hall. Does anyone know what the occasion was?
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Comment by: Andrew Lomax on 20th February 2012 at 18:16

I would guess the opening of the Cicil Defence Bunker in the basement.

Comment by: Andrew Lomax on 20th February 2012 at 20:01

Civil*

Comment by: Mick on 20th February 2012 at 21:33

Regional Civil Defence bunkers were mainly constructed in the 1950s.
This photo must be WW2, as it features Chief Constable Tom Pey (centre at rear) who retired in 1946, and the other police officers shown are carrying gas masks.

Comment by: panc on 21st February 2012 at 20:28

They dont look like gas masks. Why has nobody else got one?
This must be the town hall in King St.

Comment by: Mick on 21st February 2012 at 22:04

Standard issue police gasmask case, Panc.
Many forces had civiian type gasmasks, which went in a small side haversack, as opposed to the bulkier military models with the breathing tube and metal filter.
They will no doubt be wearing them in the photo as they were responsible for enforcing the law as to carrying them at all times.

Comment by: panc on 25th February 2012 at 21:03

I cannot see much enforcing going on.

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