Behind the Glass: Memories of War Part Two

The Egham Museum tells the story of Egham, Egham Hythe, Englefield Green, Thorpe and Virginia Water from pre-history to the present day.

We’ve divided these stories into six sections.

Pre-Historic Egham
Medieval Egham
Georgian Egham
Victorian Egham
Egham at War
Post-War Egham

Our Behind the Glass series gives you a tour of the items in the cases, you can see them all together in our Museum Tour video below.

Memories of War Part Two

Egham, like the rest of the country, once again prepared for war. In December 1937 the Air Raid Precaution Act made it compulsory for all local authorities to recruit volunteers for Civil Defence. A Civil Defence exercise, comprising of 12 simulated incidents, was carried out in Egham in July 1939 to assess the town’s readiness. 

Egham’s proximity to London meant it was vulnerable to air attack during the Second World War. In November 194, Luftwaffe bombs fell in the High Street killing three children. A later aid in January 1941 saw the area between Milton Park and Egham Hythe set alight by incendiary bombs and 100 houses damaged by a high explosive, which landed in Mullens Road. 

Gas Mask and container (MC787) from resident of Ridgemead Road, Englefield Green. 

Gas rattle, 1942 (MC656)

Gas Mask (MC362)

Steel helmet (MC410) used by Egham Civil Defence

Silver cup (MC1171), Egham Civil Defence Stretcher Party Competition, 1942. 

First World War Field Dressing (MC383)

Airplane Fragment (Messerschimitt) (MC120), German aircraft brought down 18 August 1940, Chobham Common.  

Framed plaque (MC1163) awarded to Cecil Edward Harvey, from friends and neighbours in recognition of services rendered during 1939-45 war.