Page 19 - WW1 - 1915

Redditch Local History Society Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1

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Evening Despatch – Tuesday 16 February 1915

Aircraft Raids – Precautionary measures in Worcestershire – The probability of an
aircraft raid on Worcestershire is remote but the Chief Constable of the county issued the
following instructions to-day upon the precautionary arrangements made in the event of a
raid taking place:-

1. On notification given by the police of the approach of the enemy’s air-craft, the
hooters will be sounded at the Enfield Cycle Works and the B.S.A Works, Redditch,
and in order to avoid confusion with fire and other signals, short blasts will be blown
at short intervals for about five minutes. No alarm must be sounded except by order
of the police and persons causing an authorised alarm to be sounded will be
prosecuted under the Defence of the Realm Regulation.

2. All persons on hearing this signal should get under cover. Their presence in the street
can be of no assistance and in addition would unnecessarily expose themselves to
injuries.

3. All external lights of every description must be at once extinguished and kept
extinguished for the rest of the night. Occupiers of houses, factories and workshops
will be held responsible as far as possible for lights inside being extinguished. Police,
fire brigade, and ambulance corps will be called up and held in readiness to give
assistance if required.

© RLHS 2014 Page: 19