When you hear the sirens or anti-aircraft guns, you must get undercover at once.

You must not stand staring up at the sky.

That's the most dangerous thing to do.

Take cover at once.

But there's no need to rush.

If you take things quietly, you will prevent panic in others.

If you're in the open with no cover, lie down, preferably in a ditch.

If you're within five minutes of your home, go home.

But keep away from the windows.

If you're in a car, get off the main road

to leave it clear for the defence services.

For the same reason, park as near to the curb as possible.

And if you're motoring at night?

Never forget to carry your gas mask. Always remember to see that your blackout is as black as soot.

But the most important rule of all is never to stand staring at the sky.

If you don't take cover, you may get hurt.

August 24th, 1940.

This is Drapalgar Square.

The noise that you hear at the moment

is the sound of the air raid sirens.

I'm standing here just on the steps of St. Martins in the field.

A searchlight just burst into action off in the distance. One single beam sweeping the sky above me now.

...