First there was the mobile canteen that sped to heavily raided areas, carrying its welcome freight of food and drink. Then came the office on wheels set up by the Assistance Board. The first of a fleet of twelve of these units were placed on view in Hyde Park, London, before they were put into service. It was staffed by fourteen civil servants, and hurried to the aid of blitz victims with money and coupons to tide them over the first days of homelessness and desolation. Members of these crews were carefully chosen, and between them they spoke many languages, so that claims could be settled immediately and relief given on the spot. A mobile office of the Assistance Board, the first of its kind would tour heavily raided areas to bring relief in money and coupons to blitzed towns. The crew comprised of fourteen Civil Servants who between them spoke many languages.
There were also reception centres for people who had been bombed out, until alternative accommodation could be found.
