York at War 1939 45

During World War II, York was a significant rail hub and confectionary factory, but it was also the target of the Luftwaffe's Baedeker Raids in 1942, destroying over 3,000 houses and killing almost 100 people. The city had a close connection with the RAF, with places such as Betty's Bar becoming infamous for airmen to blow off steam. The nearby presence of airfields also witnessed tragedies when aircraft crashed on their return to the bases.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 02 February 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

York has frequently been disregarded when discussing Britain's wartime experience. The city was not initially considered to have many industries of significant wartime importance and was not part of the initial evacuation scheme. However, this does not fully capture the wartime contributions of York, as several of its large confectionary factories were converted to wartime use, while it also served as a crucial rail hub, forming a vital link in the national network. Unbeknownst to the citizens of York, the city had been selected as the latest target in the Luftwaffe's Baedeker Raids. In a brief, intense, and blitz raid that occurred in the early hours of 29 April 1942, over 3,000 houses were destroyed or damaged, and nearly 100 people were killed, while others were left seriously injured. Wartime York had a particularly close connection with the RAF, as the city was surrounded by air bases. People became accustomed to seeing the uniforms of men and women from Bomber Command, and the city became highly popular with airmen seeking relaxation. Places such as Betty's Bar gained notoriety as airmen from almost every Allied nationality came to blow off steam. The nearby presence of the airfields also meant that the people of York and the surrounding area were witnesses to tragedies when aircraft crashed on their return to the bases.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526704726