Stretcher railings from WWII

 In London (like many other cities I am sure) there are many locations or objects of great historical significance, pretty much hiding in plain sight. Once such example are the stretcher railings from WWII.

Outside several of London's housing estates, now acting as a fence, are several of these former WWII stretchers. 

In the 1930's, the government at the time made preparations for a possible war. The ARP (Air Raid Precautions) department commissioned 600,000 steels stretchers to be made. They were made to the same specifications of two steels poles, with a strong wire mesh intersection. This would allow for easy cleaning.

After the war, the decision was made to put them to good use and they became railings/fences outside blocks of flats. 

The distinctive curve allowed them to be placed on the ground very easily and it is quite amazing that they hide quite a past. 

Several are to be found in the many housing estates of South London but there are many other locations they can be found. I remember one being used as a table for a street seller's items for sale on Portobello Road on a Saturday morning. So, they might crop up anywhere. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!