GWR Route: Banbury to Wolverhampton

GWR Route: North Warwickshire Line

Birmingham Snow Hill Station: gwrbsh1130

A workman stands amongst the debris on Platform 5 on the morning of the 10th April 1941 following the largest air raid suffered by Birmingham during the Second World War. The attack was one of many to hit the city but this was the heaviest and a total of 1121 people were killed. Due to its vast industrial capabilities and resulting importance to the war effort, Birmingham was to be a major target for the German Luftwaffe bombing offensive. Birmingham was the third most heavily bombed city in the country and prolonged and powerful attacks destroyed many houses, factories, churches, and other buildings. At the time government censorship meant such raids were not to be highlighted by the media.

The editor of the city's Evening Mail explained to his readers that: 'the experts, time and again have assured us that the publication of detailed particulars regarding air damage would be slipping a useful card into the enemy's hands'. The effectiveness of the censors may have resulted from their understanding of Birmingham's importance to the nation's war effort. With the city and its people in great danger, the responsibility of their protection fell to the local Air Raid Precaution (A.R.P) services. Far away from the battlefields of Europe, North Africa and the Far East, there were many sacrifices on Birmingham’s home front. Enemy bombing destroyed at least 12,000 homes. 2,241 people lost their lives in the air raids and more than 3,000 people were seriously injured.

The image of damaged and wrecked buildings shown here serve as stark reminders of the dangers faced by the people of Birmingham. Thousands of volunteers answered the call to join Birmingham’s A.R.P. services. These men and women were well trained and organised, and were prepared to risk their lives in order to protect the safety of others. Despite shortages in resources, Air Raid Wardens, the Auxiliary fire service, the Women’s Voluntary Service and the Casualty Services worked day and night to protect the city. Even children had a role to play, with boy scouts running messages in between control posts.

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