The Impact of WWII Bombing Raids on Canterbury and Surrounding Cities

Explore the historical events of WWII bombing raids on Canterbury, Coventry, London, and other cities, focusing on the destruction caused, civilian reactions, strategic objectives, and preparatory measures taken. Witness the escalation of heavy raids, the targeting of cultural landmarks, and the shift towards civilian morale as a strategic objective. Delve into the city preparations, Mass Observation reports, and aftermath documentation captured during this tumultuous time.

• WWII history
• Bombing raids
• Canterbury
• Coventry
• London

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1. The Baedeker Raid on Canterbury Dr. Martin Watts & Jordan Newton CCCU

2. Coventry Cathedral after the raid 14 November 1940 . Mass Observation reported on the reaction of the populace realising the fears of the government. (Photo Courtesy of the BBC)

3. The now-famous image of St Pauls Cathedral standing defiantly in the aftermath of the London Blitz on 29 December, 1940 (Photo Courtesy of the Imperial War Museum: IWM [HU 36 220A]).

4. February 1942 Area Bombing Directive Arthur Harris appointed C in C Bomber Command Reaping the Whirlwind Lindemann Report 1 year to build heavies

5. Area Bombing Directive Industrial areas within 350 miles of Mildenhall GEE range accuracy? Extension beyond GEE - Berlin To focus attacks on the morale of the enemy civil population and in particular the industrial workers. In the case of Berlin harassing attacks to maintain fear of raids and to impose ARP measures

6. Escalation Heavy raids on Lubeck, Rostock and Cologne Cologne 30 May 1942 85% of city destroyed German High Command selected cultural targets based on 1937 Baedeker Guide Civilian morale now a strategic objective in its own right Precursor to Strategic Bombing Offensive from 1943

7. Preparation Canterbury not identified as an official target City preparation from 1935 Frederick Lefevre Shelters, Fire watchers training Household registration Accommodation register British restaurant breakfasts in aftermath

8. The Kent Gazette, 11 January 1941, p.4 (Courtesy of the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Canterbury). IWM (D 5007) Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum

9. The Kent Gazette, 11 January 1941, p.8

10. The Kent Gazette, 8 February, 1941, p.1 IWM (Art.IWM PST 13871) Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum

11. 1 June, 1942 The Luftwaffe descend upon Canterbury The Kent Gazette, 6 June 1942, p.1

12. CCA-Photo/A/24/37 (Photo courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

13. CCA PHOTO /A/24/46 St. George Street lays in ruin in the aftermath of the Baedeker Raid, June 1, 1942. (Courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

14. CCA- Photo/A/24/14 Photo taken inside the burnt out shell of the Parish of St Mary Bredin. (Courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

15. CCA- Photo/A/24/26 A view of the shell that was once the Parish church of St. Mary Bredin. (Courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

16. CCA- U167/P/D20/2 The remains of the Victorian- era library at Canterbury Cathedral (Photo courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

17. CCA-Photo/A/24/5 Another photograph of the cathedral library after it was hit by a high explosive bomb. (Photo courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

18. CCA-Photo/A/24/44 Rev. Hewlett Johnson, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral inspects the damage sustained to the Precincts. (Photo courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

19. IWM (Q(HS) 299) Lady Wootons Green and the surrounding shops lay in ruin as the dust settles on 1 June, 1942 Photo courtesy of the Imperial War Museum

20. CCA-Photo/A/24/30 Old shops destroyed in Burgate Street. (Photo courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

21. CCA-Photo/A/24/5 Against all odds, the cathedral stands defiant amidst the ruins of Canterbury following the raid on June 1, 1942. (Photo courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

22. Those Heroes with Grimy Faces

23. CCA- Photo/A/24/2 2 (Photo courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

24. Canterbury at the moment puts a gulp in my throat. I could weep. Not at the desolation but at people s kindness and smiles. Everybody seems to smile. ... If materially Canterbury is at its worst, spiritually it is at its best Rev. Hewlett Johnson, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, 1942 CCA- Photo/A/24/47 (Photo Courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral Archives)

25. The Toll 43 dead 100 wounded 800 buildings destroyed 1000 buildings seriously damaged 5000 buildings with minor damage