Source link : https://london-news.net/headline-unearthing-the-tower-of-londons-surprising-role-in-wwii-from-barracks-to-heroic-pigeons/
The Tower of London, one of the city’s most renowned symbols, had a crucial role during and following World War II, serving various functions such as a barracks, a prisoner of war facility, and even a vegetable garden.
In the wake of the war’s onset, it also accommodated members of the Home Guard, formed in May 1940 to safeguard the UK against potential Nazi invasions.
This rich history is being honored with the “Flights, Camera, Action!” event from October 25 to November 2, in anticipation of Remembrance Day.
Additionally, a striking display of 30,000 ceramic poppies, originating from the initial 2014 installation, will be on view at the Tower until November 11.
The Tower was closed to the public shortly before the onset of war, but it remained operational as barracks for the Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters.
These guards, along with the Home Guard, contributed to local food production by cultivating vegetable plots in the Tower’s southern moat as part of the Dig for Victory movement.
From 1942 onwards, the moat also housed the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, who managed the barrage balloon tethered there to deter enemy bombing raids.
These barrage balloons, inflated with hydrogen, ascended to approximately 5,000 feet (1.5 kilometers), compelling aircraft to fly higher and reducing their accuracy in bomb deliveries.
Given that the nearby East London Docks were a primary target during the Blitz, the Tower’s most valuable items, including the Crown…
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Publish date : 2025-10-26 17:21:00
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