Cowes at War

Bomb damage at bottom of Market Hill

During 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. The war memorial was later re-sited in the grounds of Northwood Park.

Bomb damage in Cowes High St

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 and Terminus Rd except for the Pier View had to be demolished and rebuilt.

78 High St

A direct hit demolished this area where Admirals Wharf is today suprisingly the buildings either side survived.

Arctic Road

Just one of the many areas in Cowes and East Cowes damaged or destroyed during the worst of the bombing raids on Cowes on 4th/5th May 1942

Bomb damage map

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 and mines also fell locally.

Unexploded bomb.

Outside Cowes Library in Beckford Rd this group are making an unexploded bomb safe. They look remarkably relaxed.

Bomb Squad

The bomb disposal team have a well earned break.

Street Party St Marys Road

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.

Union Road Street Party.

Looking down on many happy faces enjoying a party at the junction of Sun Hill and Market Hill.