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version ©2008 R.J.PENHEY
The Bourne Archive
Warfare
EL.
P.R.DEPT.
7th. November, 1940.
BULLETIN
NO: 4 : OCTOBER, 1940.
The number of Special Constables who
were sworn in and performed effective duty this month was 3,911. An improvement
in the training has been effected during the month of October, and 53 men were
trained in H.E. and I.B., and the total
trained is reported as 2786. Seventyseven men were trained in anti-gas,
bringing the total to 2750. Eightyfive men were trained in First Aid, bringing
the total to 1975. The number of cases in which proceedings have been taken
under the Lighting (Restrictions) Order is 67. In order to foster a spirit of
competition between the various Divisions, the training figures are shown
hereunder in respect of each Division, and it will be noticed that Gainsborough
Division is ahead, followed closely by Cleethorpes Division. It is hoped that
all concerned will make a special effort to improve the figures for First Aid
which, it will be noticed, are particularly bad.
|
Division |
No. sworn in |
H.E. & I.B. |
Anti-Gas |
Police Duties |
First Aid |
Proceedings under the Lighting Order |
|
Cleethorpes |
540 |
451 |
373 |
398 |
347 |
5 |
|
Gainsborough |
448 |
432 |
409 |
354 |
332 |
9 |
|
Louth |
475 |
327 |
343 |
169 |
262 |
10 |
|
|
648 |
312 |
365 |
287 |
160 |
8 |
|
Skegness |
350 |
215 |
214 |
213 |
187 |
5 |
|
Sleaford |
363 |
280 |
267 |
227 |
241 |
13 |
|
|
430 |
347 |
347 |
320 |
211 |
10 |
|
Spalding |
657 |
422 |
432 |
330 |
235 |
7 |
|
|
3911 |
2786 |
2750 |
2298 |
1975 |
67 |
The following Special Constables
have been thanked during the month of October :-
Special Constable H.A.Martin of the
Scunthorpe Division, for his work in connection with the larceny of some bricks.
Special Constable Lidgett of the Louth
Division, for his the arrest of a deserter from H.M.Forces.
Section Leader Crowson and Special
Constables Richardson and Lynnof the Stamford Division, for detecting the
larceny of some petrol by R.A.F.personnel.
Section Leader MacKinder and Special
Constable Rowson of the Skegness Division, for the detection of the larceny of
some coal
Section Leader Forrest of the
Gainsborough Division, for his services at an aeroplane crash.
It appears that these bulletins
are proving a success and becoming of increasing importance. Sufficient copies
are, therefore, being distributed for issue to all ranks.
The new summons reports, recently
issued, are also proving a success. It appears that in one section these
reports are, owing to a misunderstanding, being submitted through Section
Leaders and Section Commanders for signature prior to transmission to the
regular Police. There is no necessity for this and, in future issues, which
will be extended, the spaces for signatures will be omitted. The absorbent
quality of the paper on which these summons forms are duplicated renders them
unsuitable for use with ink and, therefore, copying ink pencil may be used
instead.
NIGHT LAMPS
A further 100 night lamps have
been issued to each Division, and the remaining red discs for insertion in the
upper half of the glass have now arrived and are being issued. It has not been
possible to obtain supplies of the normal type of police night lamp with a
movable red disc and half-moon discs of a celluloid material are, therefore,
being supplied with the lamps of the cycle pattern which have recently been
issued. These discs should be fitted on the upper half of the glass so that the
user can screen the lower half with his hand, so as to show a red light.
LIGHTING REGULATIONS – Vehicle
Lighting.
Further modifications of the
regulations governing vehicle lighting have been made by the Minister of Home
Security :-
1. Side and rear lights and stop lights.
(a) The aperture through which light is emitted
must be a circle 1” in diameter (neither more nor less), and
(b) the light must be dimmed so that, while it is
clearly visible at a distance of 30 yards, it becomes invisible at 300 yards.
2. Use of headlights after (Red) Air Raid
Warning.
The use of the masked headlamp
will be permitted on a vehicle while it is on a road and proceeding on its
journey. The use of the headlight is prohibited when the vehicle is stationary,
but this will not apply to cases where a vehicle stops owing to exigencies of
traffic, or in order to comply with any traffic signal or direction or to a
public service vehicle stopping to pick up or set down passengers.
3. Public
Service Vehicles, Tramcars and Trolley Vehicles.
(a) Interior Lighting. No more than three lights on each
deck may be retained after the purple or red warning, in addition to the stop
light, which may also be retained.
(b) Exterior lighting of Tramcars. Where there are two lights displayed in accordance with the
regulations, the equivalent of the sidelight should be reduced to 1” in
diameter and dimmed to conform with the authorised sidelight, but, where there
is one light only it has been decided not to require any reduction in the
aperture of 2” in diameter at present permitted.
The above is a resumé of the full particulars which
have been circulated to all members of the Regular Force, and further
information may be obtained on enquiry.
note :- the Regional Commissioner is
alarmed at the number of motorists who have made little or no effort to conform
to these regulations. All ranks should, therefore, take steps to enforce the
regulations rigorously, for ample time has now been given for the necessary
adjustments to be made.
PETROL
AND PHOSPHORUS GRENADES.
With reference to the above
paragraph in Bulletin No. 3, the words from – “The bottle has two matches” ..
to .. “some means of ignition has been used”, relate to the ‘Molotov Cocktail’,
and not to the petrol and phosphorus grenades, which are self-igniting. The
words should, therefore, be struck out.
enemy air
activity.
Balloons. The
enemy are using balloons for dropping leaflets and some have been found in this
County. They measure 10ft. by 6ft. and have a cardboard box attached,
containing a clockwork device which is fixed to the balloon by a piece of
string, which goes from the base of the balloon through the lid of the box to
the clockwork mechanism inside. In an aperture alongside the clock is a small
battery, and a small explosive charge releases the leaflets. These balloons
must be handled with care and forwarded to Divisional Headquarters.
Metal Cones. German
metal cones and other objects are being washed up on our shores. They must not
be touched by any unauthorised persons. The cones, which may contain a small
H.E. charge, are particularly liable to detonate when standing with the pointed
end uppermost.
New Incendiary Bomb.
The information hereunder must not
be published nor referred to by implication in any newspaper or magazine or any
article therein.
A new German 1 kilo bomb has been
found with a small black container, 1” diameter and 1¼” long, screwed into the
taper end, (i.e., just below the tail fin). This container holds a small
H.E.charge. Explosion may be expected three to five minutes after the bomb has
started to function. The explosive effect is not great, but there is a loud
crack and pieces of burning magnesium may be thrown a considerable distance.
Protection for persons dealing with the bomb, either with a stirrup pump or a
long handled shovel, is afforded by a wet blanket, folded double, hanging over
the left arm, (i.e. four thicknesses), and held so that, when the bomb is approached,
the blanket hangs from the arm and shields the face, body and legs. It is not
certain that every incendiary bomb will be fitted with this H.E.charge, but,
where it is necessary to approach a 1 kilo bomb, the above precautions, or the
best available substitute in lieu, should be observed.
Small incendiary bombs of this
type are sometimes found unignited. The army is responsible for their ultimate
disposal, but it is important that Bomb Disposal Units should not be diverted
from the more urgent task of dealing with unexploded bombs. They will,
therefore, be removed by the Police or the A.R.P. Authorities to a place of
safety, and kept there pending ultimate disposal by the Bomb Disposal Unit.
These bombs may safely be moved if they are carried in a horizontal position or
lying embedded in sand or earth in a box or biscuit tin. They should then be
stored in a trench or water on open ground, to which access by unauthorised
persons is prohibited.
Parachute Mines. In
order to avoid confusion, the term “land mind” should not be used when
reporting the dropping of parachute mines. The term “land mine” has its own
military meaning. Nor may the words “aerial torpedo” be used to describe other
large bombs or mines. A torpedo is and object which is propelled under water.
The Admiralty again stress the risk of detonating parachute mines, by causing
even slight movement near them. Great care must be exercised in the movement of
persons in the immediate vicinity. The presence of a parachute or the presence
of a cone-shaped container designed to hold a parachute, or broken cords,
enables a mine to be recognised without going near.
Small H.E.Bombs. The
Germans are dropping 3 lb. H.E. bombs, having an inner cast iron case, and an
outer tin case, 3½”x 3½”. The outer tin case is said to hinge open on the bomb
striking the ground, but usually remains attached. These bombs explode if handled;
and the public should be warned not to
touch them. They make no crater in the ground, but, when touched, spring open,
explode and release buckshot, causing wounds resembling gunshot wounds. There
is no need to evacuate buildings. A sandbag enclosure should be built round
such bombs. Until sandbag protection is provided, it is desirable to exclude persons,
and to suspend traffic which is within direct range without cover, up to 100
yards. When sandbag protection is completed, and danger notices exhibited,
normal traffic may be resumed. The presence of these bombs should be reported
through the usual channels, and described as a small anti-personnel unexploded
bomb. (Abbreviated small UXAPB).
FALSE
RUMOURS.
Special Constables and Regular
Police should use the knowledge published in these bulletins, to deny any false
rumours, or exaggerated stories that come to their notice. In this connection,
it may be stated that no gas has been used in this County, although, in one
town, owing to a farmer using a particularly strong kind of manure on his land,
some persons put on their gas masks and genuinely believed a gas attack had
taken place, and spread the story about. One or two gas scares have occurred
outside the County and Gas Identification Officers have made investigations,
but, in every case, the reports have been ascertained to be false.
A rumour has also been in circulation
concerning cobwebs, causing blisters to the skin, being dropped by the enemy.
The substance has been examined and found to be a common type of cobweb
produced by spiders in certain parts of the country; it happened to have been
in contact with the ordinary stinging nettle, and it was a sting from contact
with a nettle leaf caught up in the cobweb material which caused the substance
to be suspected.
ROADS – Danger from insecure loads
of sugar beet.
The Military Authorities have
requested attention to be directed to the danger, particularly during black-out
hours, of the loose roots of sugar beet on the roads, to motor-cycle despatch
riders, of whom there are many in this County. Several accidents from this
cause occurred in the country last year, and it is pointed out that roots on
the road are almost certain to fetch a rider off his machine during the
black-out.
All members of the Regular Police
and Special Constabulary should, therefore, pay particular attention to dumps
by the roadside, and to the loading of lorries. In this connection, attention
is directed to the offence, under Regulations 67 and 94, Motor Vehicles
(Construction and Use) Regulations, 1937, of causing or permitting a motor
vehicle or trailer to be used on the road with an insecure load.
GLASS.
With reference to Bulletin No.2,
attention is again directed to the danger of flying glass. Splinters of broken
glass have already caused numbers of casualties. Where light screens are
fitted, as a protection against both glass and the emission of light, they
should fit as close to the glass as possible. When broken glass is “on the
flat”, it is easily stopped, but if it is allowed space in which to get up
speed and turn “on edge”, it has great powers of penetration. Adhesive
treatments fall into four types, which have been arranged in approximate order
of decreasing strength :-
1) Textile
materials. These afford good
protection. Any fabric stuck with water adhesive (e.g. gum, glue, paste), must
not be washed, and even tend to come unstuck if the windows get damp. This can
be improved either by varnishing over the whole of the fabric, or at least the edges, or by securing the
edges with adhesive tape; instead of water adhesive, dope, varnish of lacquer
may be used, and should be brushed or sprayed on the glass and the fabric
pressed into place while the surface is still tacky.
2) Transparent
films. Cellulose film, whether
plain or self-adhesive, is affected by moisture, which causes wrinkling. Coat
of good pale varnish or lacquer applied over the film helps to prevent absorption
of moisture from the air.
3) Strip
Treatment. The strips of paper
should not be less than 1½”wide, and should be spaced with not more than 6” of
clear glass between them. Narrower strips should be placed correspondingly
closer.
4) Liquid
coatings. A liquid coating is
not expected to give effective anti-scatter treatment on panes larger than 4
ft. square. This class includes rubber latex, synthetic resins and other
compositions. They are , apparently, easy to apply, but, in practice, it is not
easy to get a coat of satisfactory thickness. A note of caution is sounded here
: Many proprietary materials of this class have been advertised with
extravagant claims. Few have survived three months’ exposure. Purchasers of
these materials should ask for a written guarantee from the makers, that the
material offered is identical with that tested by the Building Research Station.
ANTI-GAS POLICY – Advice to the
Public.
It has been observed that people
going into public shelters are not, in all cases, taking their respirators with
them. Whilst people who have not got respirators cannot be refused admission,
they should be reminded of the need for taking them. Steps should also be taken
to encourage people whose respirators have been lost or damaged, through air
attack, to have them replaced, and, in this connection, it is pointed out that
no charge will be made in respect of loss or damage occurring during an air
raid or during a period when a public air raid warning is in operation in the
area in which the loss or damage occurs.
CARE IN MAINTENANCE OF STEEL
HELMETS.
Considerable requests for the
provision of additional supplies of nuts and bolts for steel helmets, for
replacement purposes, have been received by the authorities. It is felt that
these losses of nuts and bolts must, in some degree, be due to want of care on
the part of the individual, as all that is required to keep them in position is
periodical tightening of the bolt on the top of the helmet with a screw driver.
All ranks should give this matter their attention.
DAMAGE TO OVERHEAD ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
LINES.
The maintenance of a continuous
and efficient supply of electricity via the overhead lines of the Central
Electricity Board, referred to as the “Grid”, is of vital importance, and the
Board are anxious to be informed as soon as it is known or suspected that
damage has been done to the lines. Damage may be caused to the system by an
H.E. bomb falling within a distance of 300 yards from the lines or towers. All
ranks should, therefore, be prepared to report the possibility of damage being
caused to the lines, when a bomb explodes within this distance, in addition, of
course, to reporting obvious damage to such lines, whether it be that damage
has been caused by enemy action, drifting balloons, or our own aircraft. The
reports should go through the usual channels.
[Duplicator skin signed] R. H.
Fooks
Chief Constable.
Commentary
From early in the Second World
War, after the Fall of
France, special
constables (part-time volunteer policemen) in Lincolnshire were informed of
wartime developments and their morale maintained, by a small (typically 8 pp.
215 x 139 mm) booklet, issued to them by Lincolnshire
Constabulary. The earlier issues were however, foolscap sheets (328 x 203
mm), stapled together at the top left corner. It appeared monthly until No. 27,
of September 1942, when restrictions on the use of paper ended its monthly run.
It was replaced by an occasional (roughly one in two months) training pamphlet,
beginning November 1942.
However, with issue 4, the one
transcribed here, its circulation was increased. Numbers 5 to 27 were in the
smaller format and printed by J.W.Ruddock of Lincoln, rather than by duplicator.
I have selected this issue for transcription as it is the earliest I have,
probably because the name of the man to whom it was issued, Special Constable V.
Gilbert, had not earlier been on the distribution list.
Abbreviations :-
A.R.P. = Air Raid
Precautions – This was a branch of the Civil Defence organisation, as well
as the precautions themselves.
H.E. = high explosive.
H.M. Forces = His Majesty’s Forces.
I.B. = incendiary bomb.
R.A.F. = Royal Air Force.
Links to other issues of the Bulletin
and Instructional Pamphlets:-