Gallery: The Blitz—Belfast during the second World War

Deininger took part in the raid on Belfast, 15-16 April 1941. He was a member of the élite pathfinder squadron, Kampfgruppe 100.

This area sustained huge damage in the raid of 7-8 April, 1941.

In the background can be seen the twisted stern-framing of a corvette under construction. A corvette was a fast, lightly armed warship, smaller than a [...]

This aerial photograph of the dock area was taken by Luftwaffe reconnaisance aircraft.

Their graces the Governor of Northern Ireland and the Duchess of Abercorn visiting injured children.

The devastation as seen from North Street, looking down Bridge Streeet, into High Street.

These houses were close to the Cavehill Waterworks, which German bombers appear to have mistaken for the docks and Harbour Estate.

Debris and rubble lie scattered in front of the impressive facade of the station after the raid.

A bird's-eye view of the gutted passenger platforms, York Road terminus.

Every window, inside and out, was shattered by the bombs which fell nearby.

Only a single shop remains open for business.

The Banqueting Hall, scene of many historic functions, bore the brunt of the damage from the raid of 4-5 May, 1941

He received the freedom of Belfast City.

The troops line up in formation before going to camp.

Formerly the Plaza Ballroom, the Club was opened on 6 June 1942. USAAF Army and Navy personnel can be seen outside the building.

Both were made by Short and Harlands. The vulnerable Harbour Power Station is visible in the background.

MacDermott was the Northern Ireland Minister of Public Security.

The arrows show the buildings that were later destroyed by Luftwaffe bombs.

Andrews (2nd from right) succeeded Craig as prime minister of Northern Ireland in 1940.

The men are marching through Belfast city centre on their way to training.

In the background is the Ritz Hotel.

He was Belfast's Chief Casualty Officer, and father of the actor Errol Flynn.

The planes were brought out for Wings for Victory Week, on the corner of High Street and Bridge Street. The war was now turning in the Allies favour: [...]

Sir Basil Brooke, minister of agriculture (and later prime minister), aimed to have 250,000 acres under the plough to increase food supplies. Potatoes [...]

These 'jettisonable tanks' were made at the Nicholson and Bass factory in Alfred Street. These types of incendiaries created terrible fire storms in G [...]

The censor's mark is visible in this photograph. Such censoring was considered necessary in order to prevent information on defence measures getting i [...]

Chamberlain was Conservative Prime Minister of Britain at the outbreak of WWII in August 1939. He has been much criticised for his policy of appeaseme [...]

The full audio of Neville Chamberlain's speech made from the cabinet room of No. 10 Downing Street, is available at