In this week's Streatham heritage, we continue our look at Clapham during the Blitz with another extract from Gillian Clegg's book Clapham Past.

Big ack-ack guns boomed constantly from Clapham Common where a heavy anti-aircraft artillery site had been set up.

It was equipped with a 4.5in and 3.7in AA guns and GL Mk II fire-control radar. Nissan huts were erected for the gun crews - there were ammunition bunkers, searchlights and sound locators.

In June 1939, thousands of spectators witnessed a trial run of the Clapham Common defences, organised by the National Defence Public Interest Committee.

Fighter planes of No 601 County of London squadron, dived low over the common pretending to drop bombs and the anti-aircraft units responded.

The Auxiliary Fire Service dealt with incendiaries dropped by the planes, while various exercises were carried out by the British Red Cross and ARP squads. The planes returned in the evening to test the searchlight and sound-locating equipment.

An AFS band entertained the spectators who could also glean information about what to do and what not to do in an air raid and sign up for the voluntary services in a large marquee nearby.

The Germans knew about the Clapham Common guns. A Clapham resident heard them mentioned on a German propaganda broadcast by 'Lord Haw-Haw' (William Joyce).

Large silver barrage balloons, like 'giant grey Dumbos' were tethered on the common, operated by Balloon Command, a department of the RAF. These were not designed to bring down attackers but to keep enemy aircraft at a height where British guns and aircraft could get at them.

Because of rationing, 'British Restaurants' were set up in schools and other institutions to enable workers to get decent meals at modest prices.

The first British Restaurant in the borough of Wandsworth was set up by the LCC in Bradmede London County Council School in Thessaly Road, Clapham and staffed by the teachers.

For 11d (about 4p in today's money) people could eat roast lamb, baked beans, roast potatoes followed by plum pudding and custard and a cup of tea.

In response to the Government's 'Dig for Victory' campaign, flower beds were turned into vegetable plots and a section of Clapham Common was commandeered for allotments (they cost 5/- a year to rent).

Clapham Past by Gillian Clegg is published by Historical Publications Ltd, priced £14.95.