Canterbury 1939 to 1940

From the collection of

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton collects, preserves, catalogues and provides public access to its collection of films and magic lantern slides. The collection charts the rise of screen culture in the region and the nation and captures many aspects of life, work and creativity in the South East from the late 19th century to the present day. It is available for research, screenings, creative re-use and commercial access.

Canterbury 1939 to 1940

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Canterbury
1939-07-01
Silent
10m

As the last months of peace pass quickly by, Canterbury's firemen gear up for the war to come.

This colour film starts with riverside scenes of Maidstone's wharves and the old castle. Moving to Canterbury, we see the mayor inspect mobile special units after which members of Canterbury's Royal Air Force Association march towards the cathedral. After an open-air gym display we see the city's AFS practise with the Tangye Pump forming fountains with their hoses. Finally, we see a school open-day with the children performing dances while their elders have tea.

Sydney Bligh ran a wireless and electronics shop called S.W.Bligh, which was on North Lane in Canterbury. A pioneer of early radio, Bligh began his experiments in 1913 using the call-sign BXA. By the early 1920s Bligh was broadcasting his own shows - before becoming one of the founder members of the British Broadcasting Company. During the course of his side-line career as an amateur filmmaker, Bligh filmed many of Canterbury's civic personalities. In the case of Alderman Lefevre, who is seen in this film and who became mayor in 1940, Bligh filmed not only him going about his official duties but also his funeral in 1945.

Life Under Fire

The horror of Luftwaffe bombs coloured daily life in Britain's cities and beyond, and war brought myriad daily hardships besides. But Britain could take it!

The Blitz receded after May 1941, but even after the Battle of Britain, the nation faced a barrage of incendiary bombs, V-1s and V-2s. While young men fought Axis powers across three continents, their families listened anxiously to the wireless, while many worried too about children far from home. But in the face of the destruction, sirens, blackouts and hours in shelters, the now-legendary 'Blitz spirit' kept despair at bay. Britain held her nerve thanks to mutual support, defiance and wit - plus a good grumble and as many cups of tea as rationing allowed.