Although canals had long been seen as a useful way to move non-urgent goods and other slow traffic, in practice they were not. The barges only moved in day-time, but not if there was a severe frost or fog, or if heavy rain had raised the water-level, making it impossible for the barges to get under low bridges. They were, however, useful as floating stores for reserve supplies, and could even be used on occasion as pontoons for bridging. When air-raids started, canals and especially locks were a prime target. There was little to be done to protect them except for anti-aircraft guns, but there
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