Bristol at War

Bristol at War photographic archives

It took just one night for the history of centuries to vanish in flames and rubble. Sunday, 24th November 1940 was the night that the war came to Bristol, and when that terrible night was over, little remained of some of Bristol's favourite buildings and streets. 'The City of Churches had in one night become the city of ruins.'

The physical landscape of the city changed forever and families were separated and destroyed - 1,378 people were killed with a further 3,305 injured.

As a city with docks and industry at its heart, Bristol was a natural target for German bombing during World War Two. The German Luftwaffe were able to trace a course up river from Avonmouth using reflected moonlight. This path brought them right into the heart of the city. The presence of the aircraft manufacturing industry in Filton, North Bristol, also added to the likelihood of the city being a bombing target.

323 photos | 6,502 views

items are from between 13 Nov 2007 & 20 Nov 2007.