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Primary History KS2: WW2 Clips. An air-raid siren sounds the ‘all clear’

An archive recording of an air-raid siren sounding the 'all clear'

Air-raid siren sounds the ‘all clear’

The air raid warning system was developed in 1938/9. The sound of the 'warning' signal and the 'all clear' would become very familiar to people living in large cities in Britain. Air raid sirens were placed on the top of tall buildings - often police stations or similar - or on the top of poles if no suitable building could be found. In cities the sirens were powered electrically and produced two signals.The first was the warning - a rising and falling signal, created by varying the power to the siren. The second was the all clear - a single, continuous note. After it was confirmed the skies were clear of enemy aircraft the 'all clear' would sound. It brought relief to countless thousands as they made their way wearily out of shelters to resume daily life.

More from World War 2 Clips

An authentic recording of an air-raid siren sounding the warning

Air-raid siren sounds the warning

A montage of air-raid sounds, including the air-raid siren, bombing and the 'all-clear'.

Air raid montage

The sound of a fire engine racing through the streets during the Blitz.

Fire engines through the streets