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.
Does anyone remember anything about the Kirkley Hotel that was requisitioned during the war to billet servicemen? My grandparents, Cockerill, owned it.
ReplyDelete