COWES HERITAGE and
COMMUNITY GROUP
Registered Charity: 1192247
This was the result of the Blitz of Cowes 4th/5th May 1942. The George Hotel was destroyed and the War Memorial, erected in 1921 to commemorate the fallen of World War I, was damaged. Neal’s the printers still standing collapse after the end of the war.
This is the scene meeting shop keepers on the morning of 5th May 1942. The buildings on the left survived relatively unscathed while the whole block on the right, bounded by the High St, Carvel Lane & Terminus Rd except for the Pier View had to be demolished a& rebuilt.
A direct hit demolished this area where Admirals Wharf is today suprisingly the buildings either side survived.
Just one of the many areas in Cowes & East Cowes damaged or destroyed during the worst of the bombing raids on Cowes on 4th/5th May 1942
This map captures the number of bombs that fell both sides of the medina; fortunately many fell on open land. However many civilians were killed or injured during this terrible period. The Red Dots are High Explosive Bombs the Black unexploded, incendiary bombs & mines also fell locally.
Outside Cowes Library in Beckford Rd this group are making an unexploded bomb safe. They look remarkably relaxed.
The bomb disposal team have a well earned break.
The country gave a sigh of relief after 8th May 1945 when the war in Europe ended. This was just one of the many street parties organished by joyful residents.
Looking down on many happy faces enjoying a party at the junction of Sun Hill & Market Hill.