During World War II, the German forces heavily bombarded Norwich and its surrounding areas, known as ‘The Norwich Blitz.’ The bombing was also launched in several other Britain’s cities in 1940. However, Norwich was not attacked until April and May 1942 as part of the so-called Baedeker raids. Targets were chosen for their cultural and historical value and not as strategic or military targets.
The furious bombing was launched on the evening of 27 April 1942, and it lasted for two days. There were further attacks in May and a heavy bombardment on 26 and 27 June in which Norwich Cathedral was damaged. Norwich Castle, the City Hall, and the Guildhall escaped while many residential streets were destroyed.
Here is a fantastic set of then and now photographs that show the Norwich landmarks immediately after the attack and how they look years later. Two pictures of the exact location in a single frame with the same angle.
#1 Parachute troops, bare-headed and wearing ‘jump jackets’, in Norwich during exercises in Eastern Command, 1941 and 2012
#2 Rampant Horse Street, 1942 and 2011
#3 St Benedicts Street, 1942 and 2912
#4 St Martins/Oak Street, 1942 and 2012
#5 Alexandra Road, 1942 and 2011
#6 Aylsham Road, 1942 and 2011
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I was always told my grandmother’s house at 14 Aylsham Road, Norwich…on the corner of Wingfield Road was damaged by the bombing of WW2. Do you think the bombing at number 6, could have been the cause?
