The BlitzThat the Blitz did not bring the UK to its knees is due, in large part, to a vast response by Civil Defence services and the British people themselves. During the war itself, some 1. 5 million people took up duties in the Civil Defence (General) services, in roles ranging from air raid wardens to ambulance drivers to heavy rescue parties. Heavily illustrated with primary source diagrams and photographs, The Blitz: Civil Defence Operations Manual