War Damage Commission facts for kids
The War Damage Commission was a special group set up by the British Government during World War II. Its main job was to help people whose homes, shops, or factories were damaged by bombs and attacks during the war. They paid money to help people fix or rebuild what was broken. This group was created in 1941 to make sure people got help after their property was hit.
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What Was the War Damage Commission?
The War Damage Commission was like a special insurance company run by the government. When bombs fell and damaged buildings or land, people could apply to the Commission for help. They would get money to cover the costs of repairs. This included homes, offices, shops, and even big machines that were permanently fixed in factories.
It's important to know that the Commission did not do the actual repairs themselves. Local councils or private builders were the ones who carried out the repair work. The Commission's role was just to provide the money needed.
Who Led the Commission?
The first person in charge of the War Damage Commission was Malcolm Trustram Eve. He was the chairman. Later, Sir Thomas Williams Phillips took over as chairman, leading the group from 1949 to 1959.
Where Was the Commission Located?
The main office for the War Damage Commission was in London. It was located at Devonshire House, which is on Mayfair Place near Piccadilly.
How Did They Cover the Whole Country?
Even though the main office was in London, the Commission needed to help people all over the United Kingdom. To do this, they set up sixteen smaller offices, called Regional Offices. These offices were spread out across different parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
For example, there were offices in:
- Newcastle upon Tyne for the northern part of England.
- Leeds for the north-eastern areas.
- Cambridge for the eastern counties.
- Different offices within London itself, like in Acton and Finsbury Square, because so much damage happened there.
- Bristol for the south-western parts of England.
- Cardiff for Wales.
- Birmingham for the middle of England.
- Manchester for the north-western regions.
- Edinburgh for Scotland.
- Belfast for Northern Ireland.
These regional offices made it easier for people in different areas to apply for help and get their claims processed quickly.
