WWII Sewell Nissen Hut
Originally designed during the First World War, Nissen huts were known for their affordability and quick assembly, with a record construction time of 1 hour and 27 minutes. After the Second World War, many of these huts served as temporary housing. The Museum's Nissen hut, with an undisclosed origin and age, had been relocated at least once before reaching a farm in Sewell, Bedfordshire. Donated to the Museum, the hut was disassembled, transported, and reconstructed on-site in March 2008, completing the process in 2009.
The History of the Nissen Hut
Nissen huts, credited to Major Peter Norman Nissen of the 29th Company, Royal Engineers, originated during the First World War.
Following the construction of three prototypes in April 1916, the design was formalised, leading to the production of at least 100,000 huts during World War I.
Nissen patented his design in 1916, earning him a promotion to Colonel, the DSO (Distinguished Service Order), and royalties on post-war hut sales. Available in three sizes (16ft, 24ft, and 30ft width), the 16ft span typically featured 6 bays, making a total length of 36ft 6 ½ inches. Known for their affordability and ease of assembly, many of these huts served as temporary housing post-Second World War. A 16ft hut could be put up in 6 hours by 4 men. The record is 1 hour and 27 minutes.
How the Nissen Hut was Built
The Sewell Nissen Hut is constructed with steel 'ribs' on a concrete base, supporting a wooden frame with corrugated iron sheets. A combination of old and new components is observed, featuring earlier-style windows with the top half opening inwards and a hinged inward-opening door. The design is intended to rest on a concrete slab.
The hut comprises six curved steel 'T' shaped ribs spaced at 6ft and half-inch intervals, bolted to 6in x 2in sills, secured on a concrete slab. The outer covering consists of vertical corrugated iron sheets nailed to wooden purlins fixed to the ribs with hook bolts. Internal horizontal corrugated iron sheets are joined by corrugated "sliders" sitting on the edge of the ribs. The end walls are formed by laying 4in x 2in timbers across each end between the sills. The roof is covered with three overlapping sheets of corrugated iron. The structure includes two large doors at the rear end and windows in the sections on either side of the central door
Step Inside the Nissen Hut
The interior of the WWII Nissen Hut at the Museum houses a recreated RAF briefing room, where aeroplane crews received their flight instructions and targets during World War II.
Suspended from the ceiling are aeroplanes, emphasising the importance of distinguishing between friendly and enemy aircraft silhouettes. Recognising aircraft outlines was crucial for both plane crews and aircraft spotters. This exhibit provides a unique glimpse into the wartime preparations and strategies.
The WWII Nissen hut is strategically located next to the WWI Nissen bow hut and across from the 1940s prefab and Dig for Victory allotment, offering visitors a comprehensive experience of different historical periods