This weekend, the tunnels which Ipswich residents fled to during the Second World War will open once more – and pay tribute to the warden who ‘left his mark’. 

The underground air raid shelter tunnels in Clifford Road will finally be reopened to the public for the first time since the pandemic. 

The tunnels were sealed in 1948 and forgotten for many years until they were rediscovered in 1989. A small museum was added for the public to visit.

However, due to the lockdowns in March 2020, the tunnels were once again sealed – until now. 

From Saturday, the tunnels will reopen with a grand ceremony attended by Ipswich MP Tom Hunt, Ipswich mayor John Cook. 

Also in attendance will be the descendants of Air Raid Precaution warden, Frank Kennell. 

Ipswich Star: Other than a small section containing a museum, the tunnels have been closed to the public for many years.Other than a small section containing a museum, the tunnels have been closed to the public for many years. (Image: Newsquest)

It was Frank’s job to ensure that the people of Ipswich made it safely to shelters and to retrieve the dead and injured from bombed buildings.

Born in Cowper Street in 1886, Frank was one of nine children. He went on to attend Rosehill School and California Boys’ School in Spring Road (now Parkside Academy) and became a carpenter and builder.  

Ipswich Star: The tunnels stretch below the playground of Clifford Road Primary School.The tunnels stretch below the playground of Clifford Road Primary School. (Image: Newsquest)

Ipswich Star: Ipswich residents would have fled to the tunnels when the air raid siren sounded.Ipswich residents would have fled to the tunnels when the air raid siren sounded. (Image: Newsquest)

Frank served during the First World War in Egypt and France. Once returning, he married wife, Maud, and the couple had five children.  

Mr Russen explained that, perhaps because of Frank’s trade as a carpenter and builder, he was given the responsibility of closing the tunnels in 1948. 

Frank did so – but not before signing his name on the concrete wall. 

Frank died in 1990, but Mr Russen and everyone on the committee are determined that his story and service will be honoured when the tunnels reopen once again. 

The tunnels will reopen with a ceremony at 11am on Saturday, April 8. The entrance can be found via Tennyson Road, at the rear of the school building.