SEnine


England school were among locals who have been learning about the war time life on the Page Estate.


History Blitz on the Page Estate Children


from Eltham Church of


Leading local archaeologist Andy Brockman has been investigating what remains of war time on the estate following the discovery of a remarkable map at Greenwich Heritage Centre showing the area’s air raid defence organisation.


Get recording! Record the evidence of the Blitz and World War Two


Evidence of the Blitz and World War Two is disappearing fast and it is vital that archaeologists record it before it is all gone. Why not start recording the evidence you can see in your area? You can use the photos and the information on the map to help you.


Blitz Archaeology Recording Sheet Archaeologist’s Name:


Date: Location of your observation: 'What is your find? [Tick what you have found]


1. An Air Raid Shelter 2. A wartime ARP/Fire/Ambulance building


3. Spalling from bomb fragments 4. Repaired bomb damage


5. A Military building i.e. a Pill Box 6. Something else i.e. a wartime aircraft or vehicle


If so what did you see? ........................................................................


Draw a picture of your find here [include measurements]. Take a photograph if you can.


Now, there’s a self-guide map with background information has produced which families and schools can use to learn more about the area and its war-time history.


"It is very special to have a map this detailed. It is a snap shot of the whole system and most importantly the people who made it work. You can almost smell the smoke and hear the sound of the bombs and anti- aircraft guns.


Finally, unlike most archaeology, we can still talk to people who lived this history. Do you know anyone who lived through WW2? See if they want to tell you about what life was like. You could record the conversation to use in school or give to your local library.


bbc.co.uk/handsonhistory bbc.co.uk/handsonhistory


“We found that the estate hasn’t changed that much. A lot of street furniture of the period like Fire Hydrant signs have


We might have identifi ed


survived. a


basement air


Archaeologists from the ‘Digging Dad's Army’ project have set out to reconstruct how the Air Raid Precautions Service (ARP) tried to protect the residents during the worst period of the Blitz, 71 years ago this winter.


Andy has been identifying key remains of the ARP’s work and talking to people who lived there during the war as young people.


raid shelter. Best of all, we are getting vivid memories from people who lived through the Blitz."


The team are conducting a street by street survey with the aim of compiling a "Then and Now" study which can be used by local schools and other interested groups.


Andy has been working with BBC Hands on History to produce the guide.


He added “We are really keen to get people looking for their own evidence so the map includes a section where you can record your own evidence of World War Two. The map is free and you will be able to get a copy from the Heritage Centre as well as download it from the Internet at the World War Two section of the BBC Hands on History Website.”


Kathryn Morrison of the BBC Hands on History Team said.."We wanted to support a project like this because archaeology is about the recent past as well as ancient history and by using this unique map, families can learn more about how the World War Two aff ected this area, and record their discoveries for themselves. "


If you have information about the Page estate during World War Two Andy and the team would still love to hear from you. "This is turning into a very special project," he told SE9, before adding this intriguing comment "In fact since we began working on the Page we have picked up information about what happened in other parts of Eltham during World War Two and even surviving buildings which we are in the process of researching and might surprise people- watch this space." Andy can be contacted on 0208 316 6358/07958 543518 or at andyarchaeology@gmail.com.


36


Pick up litter and bin it


light out! Remembering the Blitz in south east London


Put that


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