Milham Ford School - Thames Valley Archaeological Services

Milham Ford Upper School Air-Raid Shelter
Marston Road, New Marston, Oxford
A Building and Photographic Survey
for Oxfordshire County Council
by Jamie Preston Thames Valley Archaeological Services Ltd Site Code MSO01/111
February 2002
Milham Ford Upper School Air-Raid Shelter, Marston Road, New Marston
A Building Survey and Photographic Survey
By Jamie Preston
Report 01/111b
Abstract
The air-raid shelter at Milham Ford School was constructed shortly after the opening of the school late in 1939 and
can be categorized as a variant of the trench shelter which was an excavated trench subsequently lined and covered
by a range of protective materials. The Milham Ford School example was lined and covered with concrete using the
construction technique of timber shuttering. The plan demonstrates a zig-zag form with an access point at each end,
three ventilation shafts at regular intervals and shallow recesses for portable toilets. Interior fixtures and fittings
include wooden benches lining each wall, and evidence for both electric lighting and curtain rails screening off the
toilet areas.
Introduction
This report documents the results of a building survey carried out at Milham Ford Upper School, Haberton Mead,
Marston, Oxford (SP5310 0728) (Fig. 1). The work was commissioned by Mr Philip Scott of WS Atkins Consultants
Limited, Chilbrook, Oasis Business Park, Eynsham, Oxford, OX29 4AH on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council.
As a part of development proposals a photographic and measured survey was made of the World War II air-raid
shelter. The Level 3 building survey was carried out to a specification approved by Mr Paul Smith, County
Archaeological Officer at Oxfordshire County Archaeological Service. This is in accordance with ‘Planning and the
Historic Environment’ (PPG15 1994) and the County Council’s policies on historic buildings. The field work was
undertaken by Jamie Preston on 8th–10th January 2001.
Objectives and methodology
The building survey was to record the extant structure and layout of the Milham Ford School air-raid shelter. The
measured survey was conducted with the employment of a total station and tapes. The total station was used to
survey in control points around the two entrances and these were plotted onto the drawing; 30-metre tapes were then
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used to collect data on the dimensions of the structure. The measured survey drawings comprise a plan (Fig. 2), a
sample transverse section (Fig. 4), and two sample longitudinal sections (Fig. 4) of the interior. A full photographic
survey of the structure and fittings was undertaken using black and white and colour print film, and colour
transparency film (listed as Appendices 1 to 3 respectively).
Archives held by Milham Ford School relating to the air-raid shelter were also consulted, in order to gain insight
into the construction and use of the structure. These records largely contained reminiscences and school minutes. Of
particular interest were the extracts of school staff meetings, which have been summarized and presented as
Appendix 4.
Historical background
The Air Raids Precautions Department was formed within the Home Office during 1935. By the 1st January 1938 the
ARP Act became law and local authorities were now under obligation to provide ‘the protection of persons and
property from injury or damage in the event of hostile attack from the air’. For Oxford an ARP Committee was set
up in 1938 and the process of constructing shelters began.
The three main contexts for air-raid shelter construction were domestic, public and industrial. Milham Ford
School belongs to the industrial classification as this embraces installations such as public utilities. Naturally one of
the main issues for this type of shelter was the accommodation of relatively large numbers of people. This problem
was tackled in the 1939 Code, which reiterated the guidance notes of 1936, stating that the simplest and most
economical method of providing protection for large numbers of people was the trench system. Indeed, after the
Munich crisis of September 1938, the trench shelter had become the dominant design in public, domestic and
industrial spheres.
Results
The Milham Ford School air-raid shelter appears to be a variant on the trench shelter type which first appeared
officially in the guidance notes published in November 1936. A series of seven trenches were excavated at right
angles to each in the area of ground which rises in elevation eastwards from the eastern flank of the main school
building. Timber shuttering was then employed in the construction of the seven concrete lined bays forming a zigzag pattern (Fig. 2). Each bay has a number running from 1–7 marked in paint on the wall.
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In accordance with requirements (1936) for shelters to have two means of egress, the structure has a doorway at
each end. The approach to the doorway at the southern end of the structure is protected by a concrete-lined sunken
passageway with slightly battered sides (Plate 1). The timber door survives only at the southern end. There is,
however, evidence in the jambs of the entrance at the northern end for a door, in the form of scars in the concrete
where door hinges once were. The entrance at the northern end is approached from concrete steps (Plate 5). The
entrances at both ends are enclosed by tubular railings.
Internally, all seven bays were lined each side by simple wooden benches (Plate 3). Some examples survive
intact but many are damaged or have been removed. Vestigial evidence in the form of wall fixings demonstrates the
existence of bench seating throughout the structure.
On the angle of each bay junction is a shallow recess where portable toilets were located. Simple wooden
brackets on either side of the openings demonstrate the location of a curtain rail providing a screen for privacy. The
recess at the junction of bays 1 and 2 also has a steel bracket for a shelf. The portable steel toilets with wooden seat
and cover still remain in these recesses (Plate 2).
The air-raid shelter would have been illuminated by electric lights. The electric cabling enters the structure on
the north-east side of the entrance at the southern end of the structure. Here it is encased in a circular junction box
and would then have been fixed to the ceiling by copper clips attached to wooden battens which in turn were fixed to
wooden blocks set within the concrete ceiling. A circular wooden rose with Bakelite bulb fitting still remains at the
junction between bays 4 and 5. Despite this feature, the shelter suffered from poor light.
There are three ventilation shafts with steel hatches and lever for opening (Plate 4). These ventilation shafts
would have been critical for allowing an adequate air supply with the large numbers of occupants. This feature meant
that only 6 sq. ft. of surface area was needed per person.
There is no vestigial evidence for gas curtains. Gas masks were to be kept about the person throughout school
hours and of course these were then taken to the air-raid shelter.
Conclusion
The Milham Ford School air-raid shelter was constructed for the protection of pupils and staff against aerial
bombardment. As suggested by the nature of the design and fittings (i.e., benches for sitting only, portable toilets and
the provision of a low level of light), the structure was intended specifically for temporary protection. There were
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approximately 350 pupils attending the school during the war which seems a rather high figure to accommodate at
any one time. However, this figure is likely to include another Oxford school that was sharing the premises during
this time.
References
Dobinson, C.S, 2000, Twentieth Century Fortifications in England Volume VIII Civil Defence in WW II. CBA
Report
Graham, M and Williams, M, 1979, When the lights went out Oxfordshire 1939-1945, Libraries Department:
Oxfordshire County Council.
PPG 15, 1994, Planning and the Historic Environment, Dept Environment Planning Policy Guidance 15, HMSO
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Plate 1: Entrance to air-raid shelter at southern end
Plate 2: Recess for toilets
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Plate 3: Bay 4 showing arrangement of benches and toilets in recess
Plate 4: Detail of ventilation hatch in Bay 4
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Plate 5: Entrance to air-raid shelter at northern end
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Appendix 1: Photographic Catalogue – Black and White Prints
Neg. no.
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Description
General view of air-raid shelter
General view of air-raid shelter
Air-raid shelter entrance
Air-raid shelter entrance
Air-raid shelter entrance
Detail of concrete shuttering
Doorway at southern end
Electric cable housing
Electric cable housing
Drain
Bracket in recess, junction of bay 1-2
Bay 2
Ventilation shaft in bay 2
Ventilation shaft in bay 2
Bay 2
Bay 2
Bracket for rail, junction of bay 2-3
Recess for toilets, junction of bay 2-3
Recess for toilets, junction of bay 2-3
Ventilation shaft in bay 4
Ventilation shaft in bay 4
Ventilation shaft in bay 4
Bay 4
Recess for toilets, junction of bay 4-5
Wooden benches in bay 4
Bakelite light socket, junction of bay 4-5
Northern entrance
Northern entrance
Orientation
looking NE
looking E
looking E
looking NE
looking NE
looking N
looking NE
Scale
2m
2m
2m
0.5m
looking S
looking W
looking NW
looking NW
looking NW
looking SW
looking SW
1m
1m
looking NW
looking SW
looking W
1m
1m
1m
looking S
looking S
2m
2m
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Appendix 2: Photographic Catalogue – Colour Prints
Neg. no.
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7
8
9
10
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12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Description
Doorway at southern end
Bay 2
Bay 2
Recess for toilets, junction of bay 2-3
Recess for toilets, junction of bay 2-3
Recess for toilets, junction of bay 2-3
Bay 3
Bay 3
Orientation
looking NE
looking NW
looking NW
looking NW
looking NW
looking NW
looking SW
looking SW
Air-raid shelter entrance
Air-raid shelter entrance
Air-raid shelter entrance
Bay 2
Ventilation shaft in bay 2
Ventilation shaft in bay 2
Bracket for rail, junction of bay 2-3
Recess for toilets, junction of bay 2-3
Ventilation shaft in bay 4
Bay 4
Northern entrance
Northern entrance
Doorway at southern end
Detail of concrete shuttering
looking E
looking NE
looking NE
looking NW
looking SW
looking SW
looking NW
looking S
looking S
looking NE
looking N
Scale
2m
2m
2m
1m
1m
2m
2m
2m
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Appendix 3: Photographic Catalogue – Colour Slides
Neg. no.
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4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Description
Air-raid shelter entrance
Air-raid shelter entrance
Air-raid shelter entrance
Air-raid shelter entrance
Detail of concrete shuttering
Doorway at southern end
Electric cable housing
Electric cable housing
Bay 2
Ventilation shaft in bay 2
Bracket for rail, junction of bay 2-3
Drain
Recess for toilets, junction of bay 2-3
Ventilation shaft in bay 4
Ventilation shaft in bay 4
Ventilation shaft in bay 4
Wooden benches in bay 4
Bay 4
Bakelite light socket, junction of bay 4-5
Northern entrance
Northern entrance
General view of air-raid shelter
General view of air-raid shelter
Bracket in recess, junction of bay1-2
Bay 2
Orientation
looking E
looking E
looking NE
looking NE
looking N
looking NE
Scale
2m
2m
2m
2m
2m
looking NW
looking NW
0.5m
1m
looking NE
looking NW
looking S
looking S
looking NE
looking N
looking S
looking W
1m
2m
2m
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Appendix 4: Extracts from Minutes of Milham Ford School Staff Meetings 1939–45
September 15th 1939
1. A.R.P. - Certain rooms to be cellophaned until shelters are ready.
2. A.R.P. - The following entries refer to a circular from the Education Office. Masks to be marked on tape in ink
with name, address and MFS. Any girl coming to school without a mask to be sent straight home; when she returns
with it she must carry it for the rest of the day.
Masks to be kept in form rooms on windowsills and top of cupboards. Form to go back to form room on air-raid
warning, fetch masks, and go to station with mistress.
Form-mistresses to see at beginning of each day that each girl has her mask, labelled, in its proper place; at the
end of each morning, each girl must take hers to her peg (if she stays to lunch) or home with her. Prefect at door of
cloakroom to check masks have been taken. If a girl leaves it at school a penalty will be devised.
3. Digging of Shelters - While the shelters are being dug the girls are to use Centre Drive and carry up bicycles to
sheds.
September 19th 1939
1. A.R.P. Circular – Regarding girls going home or on to school, whichever the nearer, after a Raid warning, staff
asked to remain on premises for at least 10 minutes after a warning. Therefore the majority of staff must stay in
building until 12.45. Games mistresses will leave about 3.25 and the staff in charge of singing and games must
remain until 3.40. Country girls who go to public shelter on the way to the bus (?).
Drill for air-raids to be arranged as soon as possible. Each girl to keep a book ready with her mask. Staff asked
to practice gas-mask drill with their forms, putting on and putting away in containers. (Trenches will accommodate
350).
October 13th 1939
1. Gas-masks – Those which did not fit have been replaced.
2. Trenches – Will be ready in about a week’s time. Doors to be locked at night.
3. Fire Hose – Now arrived; red – regulation colour – useful for present emergency.
November 15th 1939
1. Trenches – Forms to come as separate entities in double file – or even treble file – so as to sit in forms.
February 8th 1940
1. A.R.P. – A number of practices to be held quite soon and eventually to be timed. If Burlington School is in
session, the Milham Ford School remnant will go under the stage. If raids become violent or continuous, overlapping at mid-day will be discontinued and Cowley Place will be closed. At present, when at Cowley Place, 50
older girls will go to shelters, others to cloakroom.
2. Milham Ford School shelters: each member of staff was given a specific responsibility including warning the
games field, emptying the gym and showers, give warning of gas, and whistle all the ground and first floors of the
school.
If the mains electricity is damaged, special switch in shelters will set separate batteries working.
For first practices girls must put on outdoor shoes, pick up coats (and books?). Silence until within the shelter.
For gas attacks ventilators must be closed down. Method of warning to be arranged. (Short ladder to be obtained
for man-hole).
April 3rd 1940
1. Shelters – Question of occupying girls during an alert: it might be possible for form-mistresses to read aloud with
torches or lamps (for which the school would pay). Would form-mistresses go prepared with books and try this –
interspersed with games and singing – for any alert over 20 minutes in length?
June 29th 1945
1. Use of A.R.P. Shelters – Growth of mushrooms, storage of lab materials, seats to be set up on flat roofs.
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SITE
SITE
07000
06000
05000
53000
Milham Ford School Air Raid Shelter,
Marston Road,
New Marston, Oxford, 2002
Figure 1. Location of site within New Headington
and Oxfordshire.
Reproduced from Ordnance Survey Pathfinder 1116 SP 40/50
1:25000 Reproduced at 1:12500
Ordnance Survey Licence AL52324A0001
MSO01/111a