Plymouth in England

Plymouth, England and the Second World War

2nd World War in Plymouth, Devon

Situated 225 miles South West of London, the city of Plymouth's history dates back to the Saxon era and is best known in recent times for the city’s prominent presence in events revolving around the Second World War. Plymouth first felt the effects of the war in 1939 soon after England signed an agreement to assist Poland in its resistance efforts.

However, the city experienced its first big attack when the Germans dropped bombs in several areas simultaneously killing World War 2many people and injuring several others in the region. The operation which is now called the Blitz was carried out by the Germans in numerous parts of England and Plymouth was one of them.

It was during this rampant bombing operation in 1941 that Plymouth was almost destroyed beyond repair. The Plymouth Blitz shattered the city and resulted in a high number of casualties, especially that of civilians. The attack occurred predominantly because the Germans wanted to occupy this part of England for its advantages as a port area to use it to fight the Battle of the Atlantic.

While the original population of the city before the attack was more than 220,000, the Blitz attack brought it down to only a little more than 125,000. At this time, Plymouth also lost two of its main shopping areas apart from many other buildings. 


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