Lift the Blackout

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May contain outdated and ableist language

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Lift the Blackout

Church Stretton
1941
Sound
3m

St Dunstan's Charity in Church Stretton assists those who've lost their sight to become "self-supporting citizens"

"It's amazing what a variety of jobs can be done by those who've lost their sight." This film has abundant good intentions, if an occasionally patronising tone, and vividly illustrates some of these varied occupations. Taking on jobs ranging from massage (carried out by men), typing (women) and piano tuning ("three quarters of the piano tuners in Britain are blind"), with St Dunstan's support the patients soon gain their independence.

St Dunstan's was established in 1915 and is now known as Blind Veterans UK, and offers physical and emotional support to vision-impaired veterans.

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.