Exeter, Devon was described in war time as the jewel of the west and was less of a military target than one of peoples hearts. Over the course of two years there was 18 raids and 4o acres were bombed the city lost 265 civilians, had a damaged cathedral and the shopping centre and a few libraries was destroyed. The most damaged was the central high street and Sidwell street. Many buildings in the heart of the city were destroyed, taking Exeter approximately 20 years to recover.
STATS ABOUT THE EXETER BOMBINGS.
On the 30th December 1942, the last raid on Exeter,the youngest to die throughout the raids in Exeter was 6 month old June Ann Vanstone, who died at 16 Holloway street along with her mother Winifred. 12 others died on the same street including 5 other children, all under the age of 10.
List of those killed |
German radio report
4th May 1942"Exeter was the jewel of the West.... We have destroyed that jewel, and the Luftwaffe will return to finish the job" Ernst Von Kugel - German bomber pilot"It was a night of terror for the Exeter people. When I approached this town the bright reflections guided me. Over the town I saw whole streets of houses on fire, flames burst out of windows and doors, devouring the roofs. People were running everywhere and firemen were frantically trying to deal with flames. It was a fantastic sight - no one who saw it will forget the greatness of the disaster. We thought of the thousands of men, women and children, the victims of our deadly visit, but we thought of our Fuhrer and the command he gave 'Revenge'. With cold calculation we carried out our orders." |