How leader's visit helped to galvanise city's spirits

Michael McLaughlin looks back on the day in May 1941 when the Prime Minister visited Plymouth to witness the devastation of the Blitz at first-hand

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.