Wigan Album
TOWN HALL
6 Comments
Photo: RON HUNT
Item #: 19996
I would guess the opening of the Cicil Defence Bunker in the basement.
Civil*
Regional Civil Defence bunkers were mainly constructed in the 1950s.
This photo must be WW2, as it features Chief Constable Tom Pey (centre at rear) who retired in 1946, and the other police officers shown are carrying gas masks.
They dont look like gas masks. Why has nobody else got one?
This must be the town hall in King St.
Standard issue police gasmask case, Panc.
Many forces had civiian type gasmasks, which went in a small side haversack, as opposed to the bulkier military models with the breathing tube and metal filter.
They will no doubt be wearing them in the photo as they were responsible for enforcing the law as to carrying them at all times.
I cannot see much enforcing going on.