Bournemouth Blitz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bournemouth Blitz |
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.jpg) VE Day Memorial Stone in Bournemouth Gardens |
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The Bournemouth Blitz was a time when the town of Bournemouth, England, was heavily bombed. This happened between 1940 and 1944. The attacks were carried out by the German air force, called the Luftwaffe. This was part of the larger Second World War.
During the war, over 2,200 bombs fell on Bournemouth and nearby Poole. Sadly, about 350 people, including civilians and soldiers, lost their lives.
Contents
What Happened During the Blitz?
1940: Early Attacks
One of the first big attacks happened on the night of November 15-16, 1940. During this raid, a famous house called Skerryvore was badly damaged. This house belonged to the writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Even though people tried to save it, the house had to be torn down.
1941: A Deadly Raid
On March 27, 1941, a single German bomber attacked the Bourne Valley gasworks. It hit the canteen, which is like a cafeteria. This terrible event killed 33 people. It was the deadliest air raid that the town of Poole experienced during the war.
1943: The Biggest Attack
The largest air raid on Bournemouth happened on May 23, 1943. Many German planes, specifically Focke-Wulf 190 aircraft, dropped 25 bombs on the town.
Buildings Hit
Many important buildings were hit that day. These included the Central Hotel and the Shamrock and Rambler coach station. Beales department store was also damaged. The Methodist Church on Exeter Road was completely destroyed, and 77 people died there.
The Metropole Hotel Tragedy
The biggest loss of life happened at the Metropole Hotel in Lansdowne. Many Allied soldiers and airmen were staying there. About 22 airmen, mostly from Canada and Australia, were killed. Around 110 civilians also died. The hotel was later taken down in 1955.
In total, 22 buildings in Bournemouth Town Centre were destroyed. Another 3,354 buildings were damaged.
Remembering the Blitz
In 2013, a special memorial was put up. This happened on the 70th anniversary of the last major air raid. It helps everyone remember the people who suffered and died during the Bournemouth Blitz.
Images for kids
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The Punshon Memorial Methodist Church was built to replace the destroyed church.
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Royal London House stands where the Metropole Hotel once stood.
