"Merseyside at War 1939–45" Topic

"Merseyside played a unique role during the Second World War, which directly led to the area being a major enemy target in an attempt to put the port completely out of action. Consequently, Merseyside became the most heavily bombed area outside of the capital. Despite the considerable damage, the campaign failed, and the port continued as a centre of operations for Western Approaches Command, controlling the safe passage of supply convoys into the Mersey, providing an essential lifeline to the success of the war effort.

Rare insights into the life of war-torn Merseyside are included, along with untold stories from those who witnessed the events first hand, including the Blitz, the defence of the port, and the grim conditions in one of the largest prisoner of war and internment camps in the country in Huyton.

A broad spectrum of life on the Home Front is recounted through memories, newspaper stories and personal memoirs to bear witness to the profound trials of courage and fortitude of ordinary people enduring this desperate struggle to survive the war years. This fraught resilience was not always a united front, and controversial topics are also studied, such as conscientious objectors, racism, strike action, and crime, plus the issue of the Spirit of the Blitz – was it a myth or reality?

This book therefore is an attempt to cover the full period of the war on the Home Front, in all its aspects, from the day war was declared, to the wild celebrations on the streets at the cessation of hostilities, plus the immediate post war problems…."
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Amicalement
Armand

I was born and bred in Huyton and was brought up on stories of The War-bombs, rationing, and air raid shelters.

My grandfather was chief fire officer in Huyton and therefore much involved in the Liverpool Blitz.

My other grandfather drove lorries and frequently gave lifts to residents of central Liverpool who made the nightly march out of the city into the relative safety of the suburbs.

The internment camp later became a troop transit camp. Lots of Americans passed through, and many underwent vital combat training in the notorious "Eagle and Child" pub.

Whilst I was at university in Liverpool I flew from RAF Woodville near Southport which was the base for fighters defending Liverpool.

Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand

My Grandad was the station master at New Brighton railway station during WWII. It's just across the river Mersey from Liverpool and the railway line was often targeted by the Luftwaffe, tho' thankfully the Station itself was never hit.