IN May 1941, Prime Minister Churchill visited Plymouth to inspect the blitzed city.
The Plymouth Blitz occurred over seven nights in March and April 1941. The city suffered such immense devastation at the hands of the Luftwaffe that it was characterised as “the worst blitzed city” in Britain. Entire neighborhoods were reduced to rubble, treasured buildings lay in ruins, and thousands were left homeless.
To maintain public morale, London censored and downplayed German bombing raids in media reports. Details were often vague. Plymouth was referred to as an unnamed “south west coastal town.” This limited coverage and recognition frustrated many of Plymouth’s residents. The effects endure to the modern day as the narrative of the Plymouth Blitz is not widely known.
Plymouth’s Lady Mayoress and MP Nancy Astor criticised the government’s censorship policies. She accused the Ministry of Information of being a “Ministry of Inflammation.” Where was the Prime Minister? Churchill decided to visit Plymouth and took an overnight train from London to arrive on May 2.
When he arrived, Astor greeted him at the station. However, Mrs Churchill stole the spotlight. She emerged in an eccentric outfit. She donned a printed scarf depicting phrases like “Go to it” and “Dig for victory” wrapped turban-style on her head.
For his part, Churchill wore the familiar Trinity House Uniform.
This story is from the May 07, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 07, 2024 edition of The Herald.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ARGYLE PAY THE PENALTY
THE PILGRIMS HAVE BEEN FINED £5,000 AND STOKE CITY £24,000 AFTER MASS CONFRONTATION DURING MATCH
Referees got 85 per cent of key decisions 'correct'
REFEREES in the Championship arguably the biggest league in the world not using VAR - got over 85 per cent of key decisions correct this season according to an independent panel.
Pilgrims have a Michael Cooper issue to deal with
PLYMOUTH Argyle goalkeeper Michael Cooper is back on track with his career after two knee injuries during 2023 which ruled him out of action for lengthy periods.
Fury: I'm ready to fulfil my destiny!
TYSON Fury has vowed to return home as the undisputed world heavyweight champion after promising fans travelling from the UK he will \"put on a show\" against Oleksandr Usyk.
Thousands of officers trained for rape cases
THE Home Secretary has vowed to put more sex offenders behind bars after thousands of police officers were specially trained in investigating rapes.
No tax cuts guarantee but burden will go down – Hunt
JEREMY Hunt has declined to give a \"cast-iron guarantee\" of tax cuts, while insisting the tax burden would go down under a future Conservative government.
Asylum seeker killed OAP in 'terrorist act'
MAN JAILED MINIMUM 45 YEARS FOR 'GAZA REVENGE' ATTACK
Ukraine drone attack on Crimea cuts power in city
A MASSIVE Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea early yesterday caused power cut-offs in the city of Sevastopol and set a refinery ablaze in southern Russia, Russian authorities said.
Night shelter to open all year
PLANNERS GIVE APPROVAL TO HELP THE HOMELESS
Dawson sees wealth surge to £2.5bn
'THE RANGE' OWNER SHOOTS UP SUNDAY TIMES RICH LIST