1. Trench or Slit Trenches: These were simple ditches or trenches dug in the ground, often in backyards or gardens, to provide protection during air raids.
2. Communal Shelters: Larger, public shelters were built to accommodate a larger number of people, often in basements or underground spaces of public buildings, schools, or subway stations.
3. Deep Underground Shelters: In some cities like London, deep underground shelters were constructed, sometimes at depths of several stories below the surface, to provide more substantial protection against heavy bombing.
4. Surface Shelters: These were above-ground shelters, usually made of corrugated iron or concrete, which provided temporary protection from falling debris during air raids.
5. Basements and Cellars: Many people sought shelter in the basements or cellars of their homes, as they offered some level of protection from the effects of bombing.
6. Public Air Raid Shelters: Local governments and organizations often set up public air raid shelters in designated areas, equipped with basic facilities like seating, lighting, and first aid stations.
7. Tunnels and Caves: In some regions, natural caves or underground tunnels were utilized as shelters during air raids.
8. Mobile Shelters: Mobile shelters, such as armored vehicles or reinforced trucks, were used by military personnel and rescue workers to provide cover during operations in war zones.
9. Improvised Shelters: In cases where dedicated shelters were not available or accessible, people improvised their own shelters using available materials, such as furniture, mattresses, or doors, to protect themselves from falling debris.
These are just a few examples of the various types of shelters used during World War 2, each serving the purpose of providing protection and safety for civilians and essential personnel during air raids and bombing attacks.