3rd September 1939 : Britain and France declare war on Germany

Whilst the media reported the declaration on the 3rd September 1939.
The Territorial Drill Halls had been busy since Friday 1st September, in the process of Embodiment.

Think this was fairly typical at Drill Halls across the UK.

67 Field Regiment Embodiment began in Worcester
1.9. 1939 Telegram received from Divisional HQ ordering Embodiment.
1920 hrs Telegram received from Divisional HQ ordering display of poster A.F.E. 634.
Officers and men began arriving to go through the process on the Friday night but then instructed to return the next day for medical examinations etc.

2.9.39 Buildings formally taken over by 265th Battery Worcester & 266th Battery Malvern

3.9.39 265 Bty had 6 men still to pass doctors examination.

4.9.39 Embodiment was completed..

Stunning how this has been forgotten since the demise of the TA. Together with local Training Centres.

 

As Uncle Target says, the preparations in the run up to the 3rd September don't get recognised.
London's AA defences were already being strengthened at the end of August. This, from 26th AA Brigade diary, 1AA Division responsible for the Inner Artillery Zone
Other telegrams and entries in various 1AA Division unit diaries for the 3rd of September stating War has broken out seem almost surreal today.

 

Chamberlain announces Britain is at war with Germany
The news that Britain was at war was broken by Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain at 11.15am on Sunday 3 September 1939. In a 5 minute broadcast on the Home Service, he announced that as Hitler had failed to respond to British demands to leave Poland, "This country is at war with Germany". Chamberlain went on to say that the failure to avert war was a bitter personal blow, and that he didn't think he could have done any more.

 

Thank you for sharing the above broadcast : There is also a longer version available on Youtube. Found Mr Chamberlain's speech moving, and it is helpful to hear his voice rather than just read the text. The bells pealing about six minutes is quite haunting. Interesting comments from individuals who have listened too.