Ottershaw 1939

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.

Ottershaw 1939

Screen Archive South East at the University of Brighton
Ottershaw
1939-01-01
Silent
14m

The Giles family makes the most of the last weeks of peace with outings, sports and floral domesticity before ending with antics in an air-raid shelter.

Starting with chickens this colour film, from 1939, moves to swans and peacocks at Arundel Castle. Then we see a miniature railway in Farnborough and a tranquil summer garden near Liphook. After more scenes of children, pets and flowers, we see the last peacetime Sports Day at Wallop School in Weybridge, before returning to the miniature railway. Finally, we see the family's Anderson shelter 'walking' towards the hole that's been prepared for it in the garden.

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.