20 Mind-Blowing Facts About The London Underground

18. The Tube Was Invaluable In World War Two

While these days we're pretty grateful to the tube if it manages not to breakdown or unexpectedly boot us off at Hammersmith, it has historically been a literal life saver. During World War Two, trains were suspended as thousands of Londoners began to use tube stations and tunnels as air raid shelters. Though the government was initially against the idea, they eventually caved and provided bunks and amenities. They also periodically used the tunnels for government offices, war rooms and, on one part of the Central line, an aircraft factory. In addition to shelters, the tube was used for rescues and evacuations. It is estimated that over 200 000 children were sent out of the city via tube lines over the course of the war.