When the Luftwaffe began its intensive bombing campaign on London in September 1940, many of the capital's citizens were left without adequate shelter. To many Londoners, fearful of the effects of aerial bombardment, the platforms, escalators and stairs of the Tube station seemed the natural place of safety. Despite initial resistance by the authorities to their use as air raid shelters, the Tubes quickly became a home from home for thousands of Londoners who each night sought a safe haven underground.