Bomb Damage in WW2; was there compensation?

[dazna]

Have often wondered, when the UK was bombed in WW2, I am assuming that household insurance didnt cover the damage. Were people who lost their homes and belongings left to fend for themselves, or was there government help, and any sort of compensation scheme?? Cant seem to find an answer to this, can anyone help?

[Mr Veritas]

Right,to give you some facts:~
I was born in 1923 and fought right through WW2.
During (and well before WW2) most working class people did not have house/contents insurance,if it existed,and I am not sure that it did.
If it DID then Insurance Companies (even now) do not pay out for "Acts of War"so certainly wouldn't have then.
If your house was bombed you got NO compensation for anything,not even contents.You had to move in with relatives/friends,or if you had some income you could rent a house or flat.
Of course many women's husbands were away fighting,so they had very little income,and even less choice of where to live.
This is why there were so many Council Houses built so soon after the war,as many people were living in cramped (or overpriced) conditions;obviously they could not afford to buy a house,and before the war very few people had mortgages anyway;about 90% of people rented.
Basically,if your were bombed out you gathered up what you could,and hoped that a neighbour or relation would help you.
My Mother was killed when her house was bombed,and my 4 siblings had to go and live with my Aunt who already had 4 kids at home,and no man to support her/them.
Maybe I should write a book about this side of the war,the "forgotten" women and kids who had to put up with some awful experiences and living conditions.
To a certain extent we in the Army had it easy.At least we had a roof over our heads (most of the time) and food in our stomachs(always) and money in our wallets(even if it wasn't that much).
So to summarise an answer for you.
The Governments answer was~
"Get on with it,and don't expect much help from us"
It was the women and kids that really suffered.

[redman41]

I take my hat off to you Mr Veritas for putting your life on the line in order that we today live in a relatively free Democracy. However, even you must wonder why so many gave up their lives for the yobbish culture that has plagued most areas of todays society.
Indeed you should write a Book highlighting the hardships suffered by the Women and children left behind by their men folk. A battle of survival it most certainly was as the Women of this country contributed greatly to the survival of everyone during those War years.
If you ever get round to writing it, I most certainly would buy it and read it with interest.
My respects to you and all living survivors of the last War.

[dazna]

Very Many Thanks Mr Veritas for your helpful (and moving) answer, I thought that this may be the case, but so helpful to have the info from someone who was there. I think your story shoud be written down, I am in my 50's and so grew up with teachers and grandparents who had fought in WW2, but for most young people this period is becoming 'history' of which they know little. Thanks again for taking the time to answer my question, we owe your generation so much, and that is appreciated by very many of us Baby Boomers who were lucky enough not to have to fight in war.

[dothawkes31]

My Mum used to tell me about G Plan furniture that was mass produced after the war to supply 'utility' household furniture that was basic and cheap and affordable.

[craft1948]

My gran's street was bombed in York so her house became the end of a terrace 'cos the 4 beyond it were flattened. The rest of the street took the survivors in until they could find 'new' slums to be housed in.....

[piggynose]

i remember the pre-fabricated houses which seemed to be quite common in the 70´s in some parts of brum. does someone know if they´ve all been demolished throughout the uk?

[jno]

still some left, piggynose

http://www.guardian.c...-saved-from-bulldozer

[dothawkes31]

No alot were renovated using breeze blocks and turned into more permanent housing. I think some even used brick, certainly the corrugated asbestos rooves were replaced.

[Sachs]

Mr Veritas,
please record your social history! What a loss it would be if no one got to hear your account of what really happened! x

[DrFilth]

Mr Veritas paints a different picture of the war to what my father and uncles have told me.
one was in the Chindits in burma had to go often for 4 weeks or more on cold food and very little water.
another uncle won the MM at monte casino lived in a dug out for ages,
my own father when ill in egypt had to sleep outside on the quayside for a few weeks waiting to be moved to a place of safety. no room in any hospital tent

[Sachs]

Hi Filth,
I'm sure there are very different experiences out there, all really interesting! I love social history! I was in the 'works' bookshop in the Arndale today and found a book of letters written by Van gogh/ Gough ? I'll go back for that!

[DrFilth]

well some did not have plenty of food and a roof over there head.

[Sachs]

No, I know.

[munchie63]

I think what Veritas is trying to say, is that as 'an army marches on it's stomach', soldiers were always kept with rations. Cold bully beef nmaybe, but fed none the less.

at home, rations had to be eeked out, with parents often going without to help the children.
I believe the exhibition is still on at the Imperial War Museum showing life during the blitz with rationing etc. An eye opener to us all.

[spudqueen]

Yes, there's some pre-fabs still standing in Preston, Lancashire, I saw them last week.

[Mr Veritas]

Thak you ALL for your comments on my answer.
I will try and write(or tape) someone of my recollections,before they slip out of my brain! LOL

Steve.5
Sadly,I have to confess I don't think we really WERE made of sterner stuff then!
We just knew less.
We were frightened of losing our jobs,so we buckled down and did what we were told (for a pittance).
We were scared of ANYONE who appeared to be at all official.
We were not used to answering back, and obeyed at all times.
Yes,perhaps we have gone TOO far the other way now,but it would be nice if we could find a happy medium?