Gt Yarmouth during WW2

Great Yarmouth was bombed extensively during the war.  It was bombed more than any other coastal town in the Country.  Between 1940 - 1944 217 people were killed in air raids.  There were 90 air raids altogether in the town.  237 properties were destroyed in total.  Much of the bombing occured in 'The Rows.'  Great Yarmouth was famous for it's many rows, and years ago, there used to be many more rows than there is today.  There used to be a total of 145 rows in the town.  Many of these narrow rows were homes to families, and many of these were bombed heavily.

On 8th April 1941 the town suffered considerable bombing from an air raid.  17 people were killed, and 68 were injured.

With Great Yarmouth being by the coast, and also being flat, it was at high risk of invasion.  Because of this risk, the town had to be protected.  There were mines and scaffolding placed on the beaches, and also pill-boxes placed in certain locations on the beach.  On 11th May 1943 an air raid took place at the ATS Hostel on North Drive.  Tragically, 26 ATS girls lost their lives.  The Burlington Hotel now stands on this spot, and there is a plaque on the wall to commemorate these brave ladies.

St Nicholas Minster damaged during an Air Raid.

As you can see from the image, Great Yarmouth Minster, then known as Great Yarmouth Church, was also heavily bombed during an air raid.  The Church was completely gutted.  Only the walls and Norman tower remained standing.