16th April 1941
Following the Easter Raid of the Belfast Blitz in April 1941, the city awoke to scenes of death and destruction across much of the industrial north and east.
On 15th-16th April 1941, the Luftwaffe attacked Newtownards Airfield causing the deaths of 13 soldiers of 70th Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
The Easter Raid caused the greatest loss of life in Belfast city. Others died as a result of Luftwaffe attacks on Bangor, Newtownards, and Derry~Londonderry.
On the night of 15th-16th April 1941, the Luftwaffe attacked Northern Ireland causing deaths in the coastal town of Bangor, Co. Down as well as in Belfast city.
In 2016, Belfast City Council began unveiling a series of commemorative plaques across the city to mark the 75th anniversary of the Belfast Blitz of 1941.
Belfast
Due to its proximity to the docks, Belfast's York Road sustained heavy damage from Luftwaffe bombs. Less than a year later, U.S. GIs would gather on arrival.
61 Portaferry Road Newtownards Co. Down BT23 8SG
During the Belfast Blitz, bombs fell on Royal Avenue in the city centre causing damage to the registered offices of the Belfast Telegraph newspaper and library.
Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FH
The Belfast Telegraph newspaper continued production throughout the Second World War, even after Luftwaffe bombs damaged the registered offices in April 1941.
On 21st April 1941, the Duke of Gloucester visited Percy Street in West Belfast. He observed the destruction caused by Luftwaffe bombs less than a week earlier.
A commemorative plaque at Carrick Hill Community Centre remembers those from Trinity Street and the surrounding area who died during the Belfast Blitz of 1941.
A commemorative plaque at Carrick Hill Community Centre remembers those from Unity Street and the surrounding area who died during the Belfast Blitz of 1941.
