Firewatching
During the Second World War the British government was constantly monitoring the success of its various policies concerning the Home Front. The government was also aware of the possibility that it might be necessary to introduce legislation to deal with any emerging problems.
It is December 1941. You have been asked to write a report on Firewatching. This is to be divided into two sections.
Firewatching: Main article
(1) A report on firewatching since the outbreak of the war.
Things you should consider include:
(a) What were incendiary bombs?
(b) What was the Auxiliary Fire Service?
(c) Why did the Fire Brigades Union complain about the formation of the Auxiliary Fire Service?
(d) What was the Fire Watchers Order?
(2) A report that includes proposals about the changes that you would like to see in government policy. These proposals will then be discussed and voted on by the rest of the class.
Things you should consider include:
(a) Should the government abolish the Auxiliary Fire Service?
(b) Should the owners of factories and large buildings be punished if they are found to be guilty of not recruiting enough firewatchers?
(c) What methods could the government use to improve the fire service in Britain?