London’s transport at war
About the gallery
Through both the First and Second World Wars, London’s transport system and its staff played a vital role in keeping the city moving and contributed to the wider war effort.
Many male transport workers volunteered for the armed forces, including bus drivers taking their buses to transport troops on the Western Front in the First World War.
In the Second World War, London Transport played a major role in building bomber aircraft. In both conflicts, women fulfilled an increasing variety of jobs on the network, from working as bus conductors to working in garages.
Stations on the Underground provided much-needed shelter from air raids on London in both world wars. Despite the dangers, London’s transport staff continued to work in the most challenging conditions, some paying the ultimate price.
Through this dedication, and also through posters displayed on the network, London’s transport contributed to the wider morale of the city. In post-war peacetime, this hard work was directed into rebuilding the system.
New gallery now open!
Our newly refurbished Transport at War gallery tells the important historical stories about life during wartime, featuring posters, photographs and objects from the Museum’s collection.
The gallery includes some new interactive displays which are great for helping younger visitors understand this important period of history. An atmospheric sheltering experience reveals what life was like for Londoners seeking refuge in Underground stations during wartime air raids, plus visitors can make their own Tube station shelter ticket to take home with them.
Entry is included as part of your admission ticket.
London Transport at War Stories
London’s transport was hugely important during both the First and Second World Wars. From London buses being repurposed for military use during the First World War to transport troops and materials to the front line, to Underground stations being used for sheltering during the Second World War, there are many inspiring and harrowing stories to tell.
Read more the impact London’s transport played during wartime over on our Stories section.
Must-see objects
With thanks...
The London Transport at War gallery has undergone a major transformation thanks to generous funding from the DCMS Wolfson Foundation, Charles Hayward Foundation, John C Cohen Foundation and LTM Friends.
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