During World War II, Manchester found itself at the heart of military action, being a vital industrial hub for Britain’s war effort. The city supplied essential equipment for the British military, making it a prime target for Nazi Germany’s air raids. One of the most significant and devastating attacks during the war was the “Manchester Blitz” or the “Christmas Blitz.” These air raids left a lasting mark on the city and its people. Let’s dive into the chronology of the Manchester Blitz and its consequences for the city. Next on manchesteryes.com.
The Start of Air Raids on Manchester
Manchester, known for its industrial prowess and as a cornerstone of Britain’s industrial revolution, shifted production to meet wartime demands when World War II began. Recognising this, the German Luftwaffe launched repeated air raids on the city starting in August 1940.
September 1940 marked a particularly grim period for Manchester. Between 22 and 24 September 1940, the Luftwaffe carried out a major assault on the city. This attack claimed the lives of over 680 people, left more than 2,000 wounded, and caused widespread destruction. The Palace Theatre, Manchester Cathedral, the Royal Exchange, the Free Trade Hall, the Manchester Assize Courts, the Salford Royal Hospital, the Manchester United Stadium, the Cross Street Chapel, and Victoria Station were all either damaged or destroyed. The city’s historic heart was reduced to rubble.
During these four days of relentless bombing, 467 tonnes of high-explosive bombs and 2,000 incendiary devices were dropped on Manchester. The Luftwaffe’s bombing strategy involved dropping marker flares to light up targets, followed by incendiary and high-explosive bombs aimed at the fires. This devastating pattern of attacks continued throughout the war.
Chaos and Devastation: How Manchester Looked After the Blitz
After the massive bombardment, Manchester’s skyline was engulfed in flames for days. The city resembled a surreal image of chaos and destruction. The cotton warehouses and storage facilities, filled with flammable materials, exacerbated the fires, which quickly spread from building to building. The situation worsened as Manchester’s firefighters were deployed to assist with Liverpool’s fire crisis, leaving the city’s defences stretched thin.
In desperation, Manchester authorities resorted to extreme measures, using the military to demolish rows of buildings to create firebreaks. A week later, parts of the city were still smouldering. Streets once bustling with life lay in ruins. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, thousands of residents were left homeless, and countless historic landmarks were obliterated. Over 800 lives were lost, and the city was irrevocably altered.
Where Did Residents Shelter During the Bombing?
Manchester authorities had prepared extensively for the German air raids, opening hundreds of public shelters across the city. These shelters were often repurposed from basements or disused sewer tunnels. One of the largest shelters was an underground canal running beneath Deansgate, Peter Street, and Quay Street.
In addition, there were more exclusive and private shelters for wealthier citizens. Despite the circumstances, Manchester residents maintained high morale. While sheltering underground, many organised singalongs, lectures, religious services, tea gatherings, and even libraries to keep spirits high during the bombing raids.
The Impact of the “Manchester Blitz”
The German bombing campaign left a devastating legacy in Manchester. Rebuilding the city took several years. For instance, the Free Trade Hall was not fully restored until 1951, while Manchester Cathedral was rebuilt by 1963. The city was essentially rebuilt from the ashes, with its recovery spanning decades. Even in the 21st century, scars from those harrowing events remain visible in Manchester’s urban landscape.
The term “Christmas Blitz” originates from a later wave of bombings in December 1944. Although most Luftwaffe raids had ceased by this point, the Germans launched another large-scale attack on Manchester just before Christmas. This raid saw 45 bombs dropped, with none landing in central Manchester. However, neighbouring areas like Oldham were hit, resulting in 27 fatalities, with a further 17 killed in surrounding towns and 109 wounded.