City remembers victims of wartime air raids

Standard bearers at a service at Northern Cemetery to remember the hundreds of civilians killed during more than 80 enemy air raids on Hull during the Second World War.

Over 80 per cent of the city's housing was destroyed or damaged and 1,200 residents were killed and hundreds others wounded. Hull was the last city in Europe to be bombed by aircraft in March 1945. But the raids were only referred to as being to an East Coast port and its sacrifice was overshadowed by other cities like Coventry.

The service was led by the Rev Stephen Whaley and Deputy Lord Mayor, Coun David Gemmell, who delivered a message of condolence and remembrance for all those who lost their lives.

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Representatives from Humberside Police, Humberside Fire Brigade and St John's Ambulance also attended, as well as retired members of the Armed Forces.

A stark reminder of the severity of the blitz remains in the bombed-out shell of the National Picture Theatre on Beverley Road, which was destroyed on March 17, 1941.

Picture: Terry Carrott.