As war approached Europe in 1939 the fear of bombing was palpable, and this history reviews how public services prepared for attacks, demonstrating how fire brigades played a crucial role in minimizing damages, injuries, and deaths. It also considers key focal points, including the fire storm that damaged London in December of 1940, the attacks on ports and industrial cities, new strikes on London in 1941, and the final assault by V-1 and V-2 rockets. Published 70 years later, this book provides a colorful portrait that draws on interviews with participants throughout the United Kingdom.