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Attack Warning Red!: How Britain Prepared for Nuclear War
The first book to tell the story of day-to-day life on the nuclear home front - from the host of #1 podcast Atomic Hobo
The atomic bombs of 1945 changed everything. For the next forty years, the mushroom cloud loomed large in public imaginations and fear of the blast’s apocalyptic power coloured every aspect of British daily life.
From makeshift shelters and herbal remedies to sirens that offered four-minute escapes, ordinary people were taught how to save themselves in the face of a catastrophe that was not survivable. Meanwhile, bunkers were readied for those officials and experts who would ensure life continued after Armageddon.
At once chilling and darkly funny, this is the story of how Britain braced for nuclear conflict – and of how, so long as nuclear weapons exist, the threat of total annihilation will always be with us.
The atomic bombs of 1945 changed everything. For the next forty years, the mushroom cloud loomed large in public imaginations and fear of the blast’s apocalyptic power coloured every aspect of British daily life.
From makeshift shelters and herbal remedies to sirens that offered four-minute escapes, ordinary people were taught how to save themselves in the face of a catastrophe that was not survivable. Meanwhile, bunkers were readied for those officials and experts who would ensure life continued after Armageddon.
At once chilling and darkly funny, this is the story of how Britain braced for nuclear conflict – and of how, so long as nuclear weapons exist, the threat of total annihilation will always be with us.
246 pages, Paperback
Published April 4, 2024
57 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 29, 2023
A cheery, nostalgic look back at the increasingly pointless efforts by the UK's national and local governments to plan for nuclear holocaust and provide an ever diminishing degree of comfort and relief for the population.
Driven by the obvious psychological damage caused by the BBC ending the world in Threads, for the uninitiated a drama documentary in which Auntie Beeb 'bounced the rubble' (and which threatened but ultimately failed to disturb the calm that Joe Dredd and the survivors of MegaCity 1 had given me in their tussles with the Sov Blok a couple of years earlier) its thematically split, dealing with topics like warnings, civil defence and evacuation. Its all entertaining enough, and it ticks the nostalgia button very nicely.
The best bits the final chapter, describing the BBC's attempts to get us to ban the bomb. It might all have a bit more impact if you weren't there.
Driven by the obvious psychological damage caused by the BBC ending the world in Threads, for the uninitiated a drama documentary in which Auntie Beeb 'bounced the rubble' (and which threatened but ultimately failed to disturb the calm that Joe Dredd and the survivors of MegaCity 1 had given me in their tussles with the Sov Blok a couple of years earlier) its thematically split, dealing with topics like warnings, civil defence and evacuation. Its all entertaining enough, and it ticks the nostalgia button very nicely.
The best bits the final chapter, describing the BBC's attempts to get us to ban the bomb. It might all have a bit more impact if you weren't there.
April 15, 2023
Fun Fact! For some inexplicable reason, our high school deemed it a Great Idea to show us the nuclear holocaust movies The Day After and Threads. Like we needed any reason to believe there wouldn’t be a future. Still, forearmed is forewarned, and I was the full bottle on how to urinate on yourself when the siren goes off, and also the futility of ribbons when your hair falls out due to radiation.
So, I was quite excited to read a review of this book online, which piqued my interest enough to order it for download when it was released. And it’s just as brilliant as I thought. Well researched, fully annotated with references, and some fascinating pictures at the end, we’re taken on a journey on how post-WW2 Great Britain dealt with the (at the time) very real nuclear threat. From Protect and Survive manuals, to warning systems, plans for first aid (snigger), and life after the blast, this very readable book delves into everything from the stoicism of the British in their preparations as they became the Air Raid Wardens of the 1980s, the almost class divides of likelihood of survival, and instructions on how to make a shelter, either in your home, or a proper one down the back of the garden.
This really has been a fascinating look at an era I seemed to have blocked out, with the exception of The Young Ones ‘Neil’ painting himself white to deflect the blast. If you know, you know.
So, I was quite excited to read a review of this book online, which piqued my interest enough to order it for download when it was released. And it’s just as brilliant as I thought. Well researched, fully annotated with references, and some fascinating pictures at the end, we’re taken on a journey on how post-WW2 Great Britain dealt with the (at the time) very real nuclear threat. From Protect and Survive manuals, to warning systems, plans for first aid (snigger), and life after the blast, this very readable book delves into everything from the stoicism of the British in their preparations as they became the Air Raid Wardens of the 1980s, the almost class divides of likelihood of survival, and instructions on how to make a shelter, either in your home, or a proper one down the back of the garden.
This really has been a fascinating look at an era I seemed to have blocked out, with the exception of The Young Ones ‘Neil’ painting himself white to deflect the blast. If you know, you know.
November 24, 2024
This book starts with a man imagining he survives a nuclear blast only to then go home and murder his family because it is the kindest thing to do. This, ironically, is the most relaxed and upbeat chapter.
Fascinating and macabre as it is, you essentially only need to read one section at random to understand the whole book. Each chapter features a random organisation (the police, the NHS, the Royal Observer Corps) and then the author goes over what their role would have been during the apocalypse and how weird things were going to be (like eyeballs melting and using nettles to dim the pain weird).
But its more than just a dispassionate overview of bleakness. The author really pushes as many emotional buttons as she can. She spends page after page evaluating the heartbreaking details, like for example, the real-life pre-war suicides by petrified and overwhelmed families (who essentially jumped the gun, pun intended).
You read this dystopian history, the things people had to deal with, and feel truly horror-struck. So much so that I rang my Dad to ask about it and he ended up ruining the book for me. He reckoned every time it got a bit too worrying back then, people would just turn the TV off and have a cup of tea in the garden.
I think this subject is a genuine passion (and fear) of the author. She admits to panic attacks and reading the Guardian (perhaps two things that go hand in hand) and I wonder if maybe the emotional side of this book is emphasised a little bit too much.
But maybe that’s just me, I always see the positive in things. I personally think I could survive nuclear Armageddon and would look excellent in a post-blast leather jacket. I might even grow my hair out for it.
Fascinating and macabre as it is, you essentially only need to read one section at random to understand the whole book. Each chapter features a random organisation (the police, the NHS, the Royal Observer Corps) and then the author goes over what their role would have been during the apocalypse and how weird things were going to be (like eyeballs melting and using nettles to dim the pain weird).
But its more than just a dispassionate overview of bleakness. The author really pushes as many emotional buttons as she can. She spends page after page evaluating the heartbreaking details, like for example, the real-life pre-war suicides by petrified and overwhelmed families (who essentially jumped the gun, pun intended).
You read this dystopian history, the things people had to deal with, and feel truly horror-struck. So much so that I rang my Dad to ask about it and he ended up ruining the book for me. He reckoned every time it got a bit too worrying back then, people would just turn the TV off and have a cup of tea in the garden.
I think this subject is a genuine passion (and fear) of the author. She admits to panic attacks and reading the Guardian (perhaps two things that go hand in hand) and I wonder if maybe the emotional side of this book is emphasised a little bit too much.
But maybe that’s just me, I always see the positive in things. I personally think I could survive nuclear Armageddon and would look excellent in a post-blast leather jacket. I might even grow my hair out for it.
April 28, 2024
So, this book was interesting at its core and I did feel like I’d learned something by the time I finished reading it; however, I can’t say I really enjoyed reading this book, and not because of the subject matter. I never expected this book to be happy reading, but there’s a way of writing about difficult subject matter that makes it engaging, and I think this book didn’t achieve that.
The writing itself wasn’t really for me; it jumped about a lot and the structure of the book didn’t work for me at all. Some of the chapters felt like they were rehashing the same topics but framed slightly differently and it didn’t feel, to me, like there was a cohesive structure running through it. It meandered a lot. It also went off on digressions that didn’t always make sense to me, usually focusing on World War II or the USA’s plans for nuclear war. Some of these were definitely important for context, but others came across like filler intended to pack out the book. The result felt like, with some topics, the author didn’t really have a lot of material to work with, so needed to divert to something else for a few pages.
I was interested in this topic enough to read it and, as I said, at the start of the review, I definitely feel like I’ve learned something about Britain’s plans for nuclear war – or lack thereof, as is probably more accurate – but the actual writing and construction of this book left me cold.
Content Notes:
Warnings:
The writing itself wasn’t really for me; it jumped about a lot and the structure of the book didn’t work for me at all. Some of the chapters felt like they were rehashing the same topics but framed slightly differently and it didn’t feel, to me, like there was a cohesive structure running through it. It meandered a lot. It also went off on digressions that didn’t always make sense to me, usually focusing on World War II or the USA’s plans for nuclear war. Some of these were definitely important for context, but others came across like filler intended to pack out the book. The result felt like, with some topics, the author didn’t really have a lot of material to work with, so needed to divert to something else for a few pages.
I was interested in this topic enough to read it and, as I said, at the start of the review, I definitely feel like I’ve learned something about Britain’s plans for nuclear war – or lack thereof, as is probably more accurate – but the actual writing and construction of this book left me cold.
Content Notes:
Warnings:
October 31, 2024
I found this book when searching for Derek Wood's book of a similar name and wondered if they were related - they are not. Nevertheless, this piqued my curiosity and I decided to read it.
This is my first review on this platform and I didn't want it to be negative, but after repeatedly becoming frustrated with the book whilst reading I decided I wanted to leave something for future readers.
My feelings are that this is an incredibly repetitive collection of 'nuclear what ifs', many with illogical conclusions to the extent where I sighed from exasperation at the end of several chapters.
A small amount of interesting factual information is provided, but there are less tedious ways of finding it than reading this book.
This is my first review on this platform and I didn't want it to be negative, but after repeatedly becoming frustrated with the book whilst reading I decided I wanted to leave something for future readers.
My feelings are that this is an incredibly repetitive collection of 'nuclear what ifs', many with illogical conclusions to the extent where I sighed from exasperation at the end of several chapters.
A small amount of interesting factual information is provided, but there are less tedious ways of finding it than reading this book.
September 1, 2023
This read hits on all my weird taste. It is very macabre, filled with quaint and bonkers British-isms, and all about the apocalypse. Reading this at the same time as SS-GB was a head trip.
January 18, 2024
Hard first third to get through but worth it. Not hard because the writing is poor but because the content is that disturbing.
April 10, 2024
I found this rather repetitive…
August 12, 2023
Very enjoyable reminder of growing up with the threat of the Nuclear bomb!
June 23, 2025
Rather grim and depressing read but very well done and researched. Makes me think that being a shadow on a wall after an attack is far preferable to surviving a nuclear holocaust.
June 21, 2023
This is a must read for anyone interested in how the British state planned for a nuclear strike. Fairly harrowing in places, as any book on this topic is. Intensely readable for someone interested in the material.
So why do I dock one star? McDowall begins the book by discussing seeing Threads for the first time, and she ends the book with a good discussion of a couple of films depicting the aftermath of nuclear Armageddon (one of which being Threads).
The book must be viewed through the lens of Threads, because it was written through the lens of Threads. The author sneers upon the volunteers who would attempt to hold things together in the event of an attack. There is, at some points, an overwhelming air of superiority that gets in the way of discussions of the actual preparations. Almost every discussion of volunteers is ended with some snide remark over the futility of the exercise. In a book that purports to be a history, this is very unwelcome.
Perhaps I am just reactive towards doomerism, which is an overwhelming sentiment at many points of the book. It lacks the proactive nature of the CND which rescued them from the same cynical fate. At many points of this book, one gets the feeling the author would have quite liked Nuclear Armageddon™️ to happen, just to show the do-gooders preparing that they're silly or something.
The author does not present the book as being indelibly coloured by Threads, however. It took me until a couple chapters from the end to realise that Threads was the reason I bristled at some parts of the book. There is little discussion of the realities of nuclear war early on, so for someone who has not consumed a lot of this "Armageddon realism" media (threads, war game, when the wind blows etc) these remarks come from nowhere. Had the discussion of War Game and Threads come earlier, perhaps I would have been immediately more on side.
I am someone who has watched a lot of "disaster preparedness media" and perhaps I am thus biased towards the preparedness approach.
Oh, and also she notes the Donald Pleasance voiced "Spirit of Dark and Lonely Water" film as being out of the 1980s, it's not, it's from 1973. It's hard to mistake it for being any later, given how early 70s the children look.
Anyway, I am human, and I am thus inclined to focus on the negatives. If you are more familiar with disaster realism media (if you've seen and trust Threads), you'll probably not be as bristled by this book as I was.
So why do I dock one star? McDowall begins the book by discussing seeing Threads for the first time, and she ends the book with a good discussion of a couple of films depicting the aftermath of nuclear Armageddon (one of which being Threads).
The book must be viewed through the lens of Threads, because it was written through the lens of Threads. The author sneers upon the volunteers who would attempt to hold things together in the event of an attack. There is, at some points, an overwhelming air of superiority that gets in the way of discussions of the actual preparations. Almost every discussion of volunteers is ended with some snide remark over the futility of the exercise. In a book that purports to be a history, this is very unwelcome.
Perhaps I am just reactive towards doomerism, which is an overwhelming sentiment at many points of the book. It lacks the proactive nature of the CND which rescued them from the same cynical fate. At many points of this book, one gets the feeling the author would have quite liked Nuclear Armageddon™️ to happen, just to show the do-gooders preparing that they're silly or something.
The author does not present the book as being indelibly coloured by Threads, however. It took me until a couple chapters from the end to realise that Threads was the reason I bristled at some parts of the book. There is little discussion of the realities of nuclear war early on, so for someone who has not consumed a lot of this "Armageddon realism" media (threads, war game, when the wind blows etc) these remarks come from nowhere. Had the discussion of War Game and Threads come earlier, perhaps I would have been immediately more on side.
I am someone who has watched a lot of "disaster preparedness media" and perhaps I am thus biased towards the preparedness approach.
Oh, and also she notes the Donald Pleasance voiced "Spirit of Dark and Lonely Water" film as being out of the 1980s, it's not, it's from 1973. It's hard to mistake it for being any later, given how early 70s the children look.
Anyway, I am human, and I am thus inclined to focus on the negatives. If you are more familiar with disaster realism media (if you've seen and trust Threads), you'll probably not be as bristled by this book as I was.
July 28, 2023
Summary:
"Attack Warning Red!" by Julie McDowall is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the intriguing world of civil defense and nuclear war preparedness. The author, Julie McDowall, takes readers on a journey through time, exploring how societies have prepared for the threat of nuclear war and its impact on the collective psyche.
The book begins with McDowall's personal anecdotes and experiences, drawing readers in with her witty and engaging writing style. From here, she leads us into an exploration of the history of civil defense, from the Cold War era's infamous "duck and cover" drills to more contemporary concerns. The narrative is punctuated with interviews of individuals who have experienced these drills firsthand, adding a human touch to the broader historical context.
Throughout the book, McDowall expertly weaves in psychological insights, analyzing the impact of living under the constant shadow of nuclear annihilation. The anxieties, fears, and coping mechanisms that individuals and societies have developed in response to this existential threat are thoroughly examined, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the human psyche in times of crisis.
As the narrative unfolds, "Attack Warning Red!" also ventures into the realm of fiction, exploring various scenarios of nuclear war and their potential consequences. This creative element not only adds depth to the storytelling but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of international cooperation and peace.
The book doesn't solely focus on the past and present; it also looks towards the future. McDowall explores how advancements in technology and politics may shape the landscape of civil defense and nuclear war preparedness in the years to come. Her insightful analysis encourages readers to consider the potential paths that humanity might take, emphasizing the importance of working together to avoid a cataclysmic future.
Review:
"Attack Warning Red!" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that manages to strike a perfect balance between historical insights, personal anecdotes, and speculative fiction. Julie McDowall's writing is both accessible and engaging, making what could be a heavy and distressing topic surprisingly enjoyable to read. Her witty and relatable style keeps the reader invested throughout the journey.
One of the most commendable aspects of the book is McDowall's ability to connect the dots between past and present, helping readers understand how the legacy of the Cold War continues to shape our perceptions and responses to global threats. By weaving in interviews and personal stories, she adds a human element to the narrative, making the historical accounts come alive with the emotions and experiences of those who lived through those times.
Furthermore, McDowall's exploration of the psychological impact of nuclear war threats is truly eye-opening. She delves deep into the collective fears and anxieties that have emerged due to living under the shadow of potential destruction. This aspect of the book is particularly relevant today, as it prompts readers to reflect on the importance of peace-building and diplomacy to ensure a safer world for future generations.
The inclusion of speculative fiction scenarios enhances the book's value, as it encourages readers to consider the potential consequences of continued nuclear proliferation and escalating tensions between nations. It serves as a wake-up call, urging us to take our collective responsibility seriously in preventing such catastrophic outcomes.
"Attack Warning Red!" not only offers a fascinating journey through history, psychology, and speculative futures but also leaves readers with a sense of hope. McDowall's final message revolves around the power of human agency and the importance of learning from the past to shape a more peaceful and secure world. Her optimism is contagious, leaving readers with a newfound determination to work towards a better future for all.
In conclusion, "Attack Warning Red!" is a book that stands out for its unique blend of historical research, personal storytelling, and speculative insights. Julie McDowall's writing is engaging, and her analysis is thought-provoking, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the history of civil defense, the psychology of fear, and the imperative of global cooperation. It is a book that challenges us to confront the specter of nuclear war while inspiring hope that a better world is within our reach.
"Attack Warning Red!" by Julie McDowall is a captivating and thought-provoking book that delves into the intriguing world of civil defense and nuclear war preparedness. The author, Julie McDowall, takes readers on a journey through time, exploring how societies have prepared for the threat of nuclear war and its impact on the collective psyche.
The book begins with McDowall's personal anecdotes and experiences, drawing readers in with her witty and engaging writing style. From here, she leads us into an exploration of the history of civil defense, from the Cold War era's infamous "duck and cover" drills to more contemporary concerns. The narrative is punctuated with interviews of individuals who have experienced these drills firsthand, adding a human touch to the broader historical context.
Throughout the book, McDowall expertly weaves in psychological insights, analyzing the impact of living under the constant shadow of nuclear annihilation. The anxieties, fears, and coping mechanisms that individuals and societies have developed in response to this existential threat are thoroughly examined, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the human psyche in times of crisis.
As the narrative unfolds, "Attack Warning Red!" also ventures into the realm of fiction, exploring various scenarios of nuclear war and their potential consequences. This creative element not only adds depth to the storytelling but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of international cooperation and peace.
The book doesn't solely focus on the past and present; it also looks towards the future. McDowall explores how advancements in technology and politics may shape the landscape of civil defense and nuclear war preparedness in the years to come. Her insightful analysis encourages readers to consider the potential paths that humanity might take, emphasizing the importance of working together to avoid a cataclysmic future.
Review:
"Attack Warning Red!" is a captivating and thought-provoking book that manages to strike a perfect balance between historical insights, personal anecdotes, and speculative fiction. Julie McDowall's writing is both accessible and engaging, making what could be a heavy and distressing topic surprisingly enjoyable to read. Her witty and relatable style keeps the reader invested throughout the journey.
One of the most commendable aspects of the book is McDowall's ability to connect the dots between past and present, helping readers understand how the legacy of the Cold War continues to shape our perceptions and responses to global threats. By weaving in interviews and personal stories, she adds a human element to the narrative, making the historical accounts come alive with the emotions and experiences of those who lived through those times.
Furthermore, McDowall's exploration of the psychological impact of nuclear war threats is truly eye-opening. She delves deep into the collective fears and anxieties that have emerged due to living under the shadow of potential destruction. This aspect of the book is particularly relevant today, as it prompts readers to reflect on the importance of peace-building and diplomacy to ensure a safer world for future generations.
The inclusion of speculative fiction scenarios enhances the book's value, as it encourages readers to consider the potential consequences of continued nuclear proliferation and escalating tensions between nations. It serves as a wake-up call, urging us to take our collective responsibility seriously in preventing such catastrophic outcomes.
"Attack Warning Red!" not only offers a fascinating journey through history, psychology, and speculative futures but also leaves readers with a sense of hope. McDowall's final message revolves around the power of human agency and the importance of learning from the past to shape a more peaceful and secure world. Her optimism is contagious, leaving readers with a newfound determination to work towards a better future for all.
In conclusion, "Attack Warning Red!" is a book that stands out for its unique blend of historical research, personal storytelling, and speculative insights. Julie McDowall's writing is engaging, and her analysis is thought-provoking, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the history of civil defense, the psychology of fear, and the imperative of global cooperation. It is a book that challenges us to confront the specter of nuclear war while inspiring hope that a better world is within our reach.
June 9, 2024
When I began reading this, I thought to myself that it highly resembled a magazine or newspaper article, so it made complete sense when I flipped to the inner dust cover to see that McDowall is in fact a journalist. For me, I found the writing style rather off-putting and disagreeable, especially with consideration to the contents of the book. I'm sure that many people enjoy (as proved by the high ratings) this more carefree and narrative approach to writing, but I just can't stand it. If you're writing about a topic that you had no involvement in, then I see no reason why you should constantly keep referring to your own life in a non-fiction piece. It comes off as distasteful and self-centred (so, your average journalist). If I wanted to read a Julie McDowall autobiography, I wouldn't have picked up a book on nuclear war in the United Kingdom.
Following this theme, if I wanted to read about nuclear war in the United States, I again would not have picked up a book on nuclear war in the United Kingdom. I felt there was too much reference to the USA in comparison to the size of the book, so it appeared rather akin to some form of filler. Furthermore, the title isn't even correct in its terminology. This is about Great Britain, not the United Kingdom. I don't recall any references to Northern Ireland (or even Wales for that matter, it's incredibly Anglocentric). There is also no structure to the writing; McDowall constantly switches between WWI, WWII, Post-War, 1950s-60s and the 1980s seemingly without any reason. It would have been more impactful to employ a sense of chronology.
It is a shame that there are these faults, because there is a lot of good research in here - some of which that must have been hard to find given the niche nature of the topic. I wouldn't even necessarily discourage people from reading this because there are hardly any books currently in print on the subject of Britain and nuclear war. Just don't get your hopes up for something outstanding.
Following this theme, if I wanted to read about nuclear war in the United States, I again would not have picked up a book on nuclear war in the United Kingdom. I felt there was too much reference to the USA in comparison to the size of the book, so it appeared rather akin to some form of filler. Furthermore, the title isn't even correct in its terminology. This is about Great Britain, not the United Kingdom. I don't recall any references to Northern Ireland (or even Wales for that matter, it's incredibly Anglocentric). There is also no structure to the writing; McDowall constantly switches between WWI, WWII, Post-War, 1950s-60s and the 1980s seemingly without any reason. It would have been more impactful to employ a sense of chronology.
It is a shame that there are these faults, because there is a lot of good research in here - some of which that must have been hard to find given the niche nature of the topic. I wouldn't even necessarily discourage people from reading this because there are hardly any books currently in print on the subject of Britain and nuclear war. Just don't get your hopes up for something outstanding.
June 30, 2024
I came across Threads by chance last year and since then, I developed a sort of trauma-obsession with anything related to nuclear war, pretty much as the author of the book admits in their first pages. Maybe because we come from the same experience I found this book very well researched in all the possible areas you can think of, from bunkers to media coverage; from schools routines to civil defence training. One of the things I liked the most is how matter of fact things are presented. There's no political agenda or hidden message, these are the facts and you made of your own mind about them. It's also very easy to access by the general public, it's focus is not on the technicalities of weapons or defense systems but mostly on how things that anyone can relate with. It actually made me wish there were more books that focus on the everyday of the normal people on different historic moments. In conclusion, I think the best way to describe this book is by picturing that famous meme of the dog , almost surrounded by fire, with nothing more to accept the situation: "This is fine" c:
November 29, 2023
Very good research by the author which probably makes this the go to book for anyone fascinated by the threat of nuclear obliteration from the 50's to the 80's. The author questions whether it's wise for the UK to have swept aside its civilian early warning system after the end of the cold war particularly as other countries close to the Russia Ukraine war have stepped up their preparation. However the question I asked throughout this book is - was civil defence against nuclear war a waste of money given that there would be just 4 minutes to get out of the way and the effect and after effect would be devastating over a large area. Rather the money and time should have been spent in stopping the proliferation of the weapons. I struggled to stay awake often reading the book though in other parts was almost captivated. I guess I preferred the thoughts and anecdotes of real people rather than the nerdy detail of systems and bureaucracy attempting to protect us
August 28, 2023
I picked up this book having heard Julie McDowell's excellent presentation at the Chalk Valley Book Festival. I have not been disappointed.
Up until the time that the Iron Curtain lifted in the early 1990s, the population of the United Kingdom lived in the shadow of a potential nuclear attack from the Soviet Union. For some, this fear was manifest and real - for others it was something that was put to the back of the mind. Notwithstanding the variability in public awareness, the UK Government was obliged to take the threat very seriously indeed, and this fascinating book is concerned with every aspect of the national preparations and response.
Some aspects were a legacy of the bombing raids of the Second World War, albeit with a growing sense of urgency driven by the scale of the potential damage which would be visited on the country in the event of an attack. The author covers all of the practical measures - observation and spotting, sheltering, prioritisation of essential resources and civil warnings. Often the planned measures were farcical in that they were completely unrealistic in the face of a threat which dwarfed anything previously seen.
Some readers, who remember those times, will be particularly interested in the way in which the media portrayed nuclear war both for the purposes of public information and from a traditional film-makers perspective. Clearly, there was a huge mismatch between what would happen if the bombs fell on UK cities, and the advice being given to citizens. For those who did survive, the world in which they would emerge into from their shelters would be something which bore little relation to the civilised society which had hitherto existed.
For anyone interested in the Cold War, I have no hesitation in recommending this excellent book.
Up until the time that the Iron Curtain lifted in the early 1990s, the population of the United Kingdom lived in the shadow of a potential nuclear attack from the Soviet Union. For some, this fear was manifest and real - for others it was something that was put to the back of the mind. Notwithstanding the variability in public awareness, the UK Government was obliged to take the threat very seriously indeed, and this fascinating book is concerned with every aspect of the national preparations and response.
Some aspects were a legacy of the bombing raids of the Second World War, albeit with a growing sense of urgency driven by the scale of the potential damage which would be visited on the country in the event of an attack. The author covers all of the practical measures - observation and spotting, sheltering, prioritisation of essential resources and civil warnings. Often the planned measures were farcical in that they were completely unrealistic in the face of a threat which dwarfed anything previously seen.
Some readers, who remember those times, will be particularly interested in the way in which the media portrayed nuclear war both for the purposes of public information and from a traditional film-makers perspective. Clearly, there was a huge mismatch between what would happen if the bombs fell on UK cities, and the advice being given to citizens. For those who did survive, the world in which they would emerge into from their shelters would be something which bore little relation to the civilised society which had hitherto existed.
For anyone interested in the Cold War, I have no hesitation in recommending this excellent book.
May 29, 2023
There is no protection from nuclear war!
Very thorough and well researched book about all aspects of nuclear war ‘defence’ for the people of the UK since the 1950s. A stark revelation of the inadequate platitudes that have been peddled to the public about our ‘survival’ in the aftermath of a nuclear war.
There is no adequate protection for any of us and, scarily, today’s threats are just as real as during the Cold War.
Everyone should read this book and watch the film ‘Threads’ to understand the true horror of what we all face should the worst happen and a nuclear exchange takes place. Bleak, but essential and necessary education about the myth of protection.
Very thorough and well researched book about all aspects of nuclear war ‘defence’ for the people of the UK since the 1950s. A stark revelation of the inadequate platitudes that have been peddled to the public about our ‘survival’ in the aftermath of a nuclear war.
There is no adequate protection for any of us and, scarily, today’s threats are just as real as during the Cold War.
Everyone should read this book and watch the film ‘Threads’ to understand the true horror of what we all face should the worst happen and a nuclear exchange takes place. Bleak, but essential and necessary education about the myth of protection.
January 31, 2024
McDowall's well-researched book about state preparations for the horrors of nuclear war are terrifying and amusing in equal measure. The parochial nature of the UK government's Home Guard-style Blitz spirit 'mitigations' for essentially an extinction-level event, are often laughable (requisitioned ice cream vans converted to blood banks trundling around an irradiated scorched earth landscape springs to mind). The change in approach from communal bunkers to 'every family for themselves' was a telling reflection of societal changes, and yet none of it would have been remotely effective anyway. Disturbingly fascinating.
October 7, 2024
Great read, well researched, at times scary and at times funny, what you get from it is that just a few well placed nuclear explosions render our small island uninhabitable, how the British Government thought we could survive a massive scale attack and try and get back to some form of normality is beyond me. With the rise of international tensions over the past few years this is a timely book and the one thing it taught me is that If I ever get that message on my phone telling me we are under attack, I will be running towards the explosion.
October 18, 2023
A frankly brilliant account of the unthinkable, told in a very British way and accounting for a very British approach to thermonuclear war.
The author is very personable and tells a very bleak story in a very warm way. The book is very informed and factual, especially as this part of the cold war remains a very untold story.
The subject matter should encourage reading of this book and never discourage.
The author is very personable and tells a very bleak story in a very warm way. The book is very informed and factual, especially as this part of the cold war remains a very untold story.
The subject matter should encourage reading of this book and never discourage.
December 8, 2023
An interesting look into the nuclear threat to Great Britain and the steps taken by the Government to cope with it.
I found many of the facts interesting, however my mind kept asking what was the alternative to the actions to be taken , and I expected some alternatives to be given. The book . Sadly none appeared - an example of taking pot shots at those in an impossible scenario without , even with high sight, to provide answers.
Too many cheap shots for my taste.
I found many of the facts interesting, however my mind kept asking what was the alternative to the actions to be taken , and I expected some alternatives to be given. The book . Sadly none appeared - an example of taking pot shots at those in an impossible scenario without , even with high sight, to provide answers.
Too many cheap shots for my taste.
February 12, 2024
A well written and researched look at a topic that I had very little knowledge of, and feel confident to say I thoroughly get it now! This is its strength and its downfall - there is a lot of repetition of ideas and concepts, which is needed to fully understand other ones, but does lead to you asking yourself “I’ve read this bit already haven’t I?” It has given me some more inspiration to explore the topic further, particularly the section of BBC censored nuclear disaster films.
February 16, 2024
If you've listened to the excellent podcast Atomic Hobo then you will recognise much of the information in this book. But don't let that put you off. There is a lot of information here, and it is a very good read highlighting what Britain would do if there was a nuclear attack. Although most of what they suggested was fruitless, and probably wouldn't help anyone.
An excellent book on a horrifying subject.
An excellent book on a horrifying subject.
March 26, 2025
A well researched, incredibly bleak (and I mean this with the highest of praise) exploration into the often delusional British government and the world of the Cold War. The sometimes brief discussions of the authors mental health and the psychological impact of Threads is not always as well fleshed out, as in the companion podcast, and I wonder if those who are not frequent listeners may miss more of the context behind the authors decision to undertake the project.
July 19, 2023
A fascinating and very readable history of Britain's preparations for the possibility of a nuclear attack during the cold war. The biggest take out for me was just how massively niaive those doing the actual planning were, basing so many of their preparations on the experiences of the Blitz. A real eye opener throughout and well worth a read .
April 9, 2024
19. This is a grimly fascinating account of the attempts of the UK to prepare for nuclear war, although it is shot through with a irony of the gap between the inadequate preparations and apocalyptic scale of events this really just reminds of the futility of trying to survive these horrific weapons.
September 27, 2024
fascinating read.
I really enjoyed this. The level of research and detail delivered in a readable page turner is a great achievement .
The chapter on the BBC drama Threads gave me flashbacks to watching it aged 11 and being convinced I wouldn’t reach adulthood due to nuclear war.
I have plans now to visit some of the bunker museums mentioned in the book
I really enjoyed this. The level of research and detail delivered in a readable page turner is a great achievement .
The chapter on the BBC drama Threads gave me flashbacks to watching it aged 11 and being convinced I wouldn’t reach adulthood due to nuclear war.
I have plans now to visit some of the bunker museums mentioned in the book
March 5, 2025
4.5 stars. I am capital-S-Scared of all things nuclear (isn't everyone?) and a lot of Cold War content really gets under my skin, so I was surprised by how entertaining and even funny I found this book in places. The title is a slight misnomer, as McDowall quickly makes the point that there's really not too much anyone can do to prepare for nuclear war, but many of the ways the UK government tried to do so bordered on the absurd. I thought she did an excellent job of presenting the topic accessibly, balancing the grim realities of what nuclear war would look like with some of the more ridiculous planned responses to it, and my attention was held throughout. Towards the end I felt some of the points were getting slightly repetitive, but overall I found this a far more enjoyable read than I was expecting.
June 30, 2025
Very well written, and easy to read despite the subject matter. I found the NHS and BBC chapters the most interesting. I thought there was a little too much about the USA for a book that’s supposed to be about Britain, but I did find the shelter debate, and in particular the different views of people in the church, really interesting.
July 10, 2023
Interesting spotlight on the UK's history of preparation for nuclear war. The focus on the public and the very British approach is welcome and well done.
Check out the author's excellent podcast Atomic Hobo.
Check out the author's excellent podcast Atomic Hobo.
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