THE MANCHESTER BLITZ

The first German bombing raid on Manchester was on 8th August 1940. They dropped a bundle of leaflets 'Hitler's last appeal to reason'. It failed to open and scatter, instead it fell in one lump and hit a policeman in Salford! But things were going to get much more serious. By the end of the war these raids caused 1,300 fires in Manchester and by the time of the last Blitz in August 1942 64 of the emergency service personnel were dead and 250 injured. This sheet shows some of the images of this two years and how people responded.

Two views of Manchester from the Christmas

raid of 1940

This was a devastating attack. It came in two waves and the fires that started were not put under control until the afternoon of Christmas Day. One of the problems for the additional 3,400 men drafted in was that fire services at the time had not got standardised equipment. As a result the several fire brigades could not effectively support each other. The spirit of the people was not to allow Christmas to be spoilt and celebrations went on. By the 27th December many businesses had made make-shift facilities for trade to resume.

Manchester was the target last night of strong German bomber formations. According to reports received, important factories were destroyed by heavy hits, and extensive fires and many violent explosions caused. Official German News Agency, December 23, 1940

Last night strong formations of German bombers again attacked Manchester and London. Several large and numerous small fires were caused in London, and especially in Manchester. German communiqué, December 24, 1940

The Exchange buildings burn out of control

The force with which the many fires took hold overwhelmed even the most experienced fire-fighters. The fact that many of those working courageously over this time were novices was testament to the efforts that were put in.

The Cathedral was victim to the attack of Christmas Eve. However, as you can see people decided this was not going to stop them having services in the future. 

Sometimes the "Blitz' spirit can be overstated and exaggerated. There are lots of recorded cases of looting and criminals taking advantage of raids. However, there clearly was a strong collective mood and over the next few pages there are a selection of images from Manchester that shows something of this feeling. It shows the tragic and the humorous sides of living in such violent times. Whatever else can be said about division in British society and the inequality that persisted even in war there is a strong sense of community when bombs are raining down- the Luftwaffe was not selective of who was to be a victim.

                                                            Above is a view of the Shambles, one of the oldest                                                            parts of Manchester. On the Left one person                                                                                would  testify to the value of an Anderson shelter.

Parking has always been a problem in Manchester! However, the blues were a friend in need to United when Old Trafford was bombed.

It's just not cricket! The other Old Trafford gets an unexpected visit!