Deeley Group - Air Raid Shelters

Hi all, first post for us! 2016 is our 80th year of business and so we are reminiscing by posting old photos of our projects. Our founder, George Deeley, was renowned for building several air raid shelters throughout the city. Unfortunately, our photography archive goes back to the 1960's and I cannot find any war time images. I can confirm one location I know we built an air raid shelter which was Avon Street, Upper Stoke, Coventry. They were circa 30 ft long and 12 ft wide. Your assistance with this would be greatly appreciated. Edward

I cannot help you with this, mainly because although my brother and I worked for G.W. Deeley it was in the 70's so before our time. Happy times working there. Please give our regards to Peter Deeley. Vaughan & Stuart M.

Any idea in what year the shelter was built in Avon Street?

Thank you for your response. Peter cannot quite narrow it down but he thinks it was 1939 or 1940.

Thank you for the kind words. I have passed on your message to Peter and he also sends his regards. Deeley Construction are still an excellent firm to work for and still have the same strong family values within the company. All the best, Edward

Hi Edward I've been in contact with a lady who has lived in Avon Street all her life she is 91 years of age she can't recall an air raid shelter of that size being built in Avon Street most people had their own shelters in their back gardens and those that didn't shared with a neighbour however she definitely remembers a shelter of that proportion being built in Stratford Street next to a church hall where a block of apartments now stand as this is quite close to Avon Street could this be the shelter that Peter remembers hope this helps. Edited by member, 19th Feb 2016 10:37 pm