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Damage to Canterbury Cathedral Library, WW2 - Baedeker Blitz

Damage to Canterbury Cathedral Library, WW2 - Baedeker Blitz


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Damage to Canterbury Cathedral Library, WW2 - Baedeker Blitz

" Canterbury under fire" - Damage sustained to the Cathedal LIbrary examined by Dr. Hewlett Johnson, Dean of Canterbury, by bombing on the city by German planes of the luftwaffe during WW2. The Baedeker Blitz (or Baedeker raids) were targeted raids, chosen for hitting sites of cultural or historical significance, rather than for any military value. The raid on Canterbury (which coincided with the RAFs 1, 000 bomber raid on Cologne), involved 77 bombers, dropping 40 tons of bombs, resulting in 43 deaths. This raid hit Canterbury on 31st May, 1942. Date: 1942

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Media ID 11589025

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

1942 Airraid Blitz Bombs Canterbury Damage Dean Destroyed Destruction Doctor Hewlett Incendiary Johnson Raid Raids Ruin Baedeker


FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > United Kingdom > England > Kent > Canterbury

> Europe > United Kingdom > Heritage Sites > Canterbury Cathedral, St

> Religious Art > Religious Architecture > Churches and Cathedrals

> Services > Royal Air Force


EDITORS COMMENTS
Canterbury under Fire: A Solemn Examination of the Damage Sustained to Canterbury Cathedral Library during the Baedeker Blitz of World War II This evocative photograph captures a poignant moment in the aftermath of the Baedeker Blitz, as Dr. Hewlett Johnson, the Dean of Canterbury, carefully examines the extensive damage inflicted upon the Cathedral Library by German planes of the Luftwaffe in May 1942. The Baedeker Raids, named after the popular travel guide Baedeker, were a series of targeted attacks on cultural and historical sites across Europe, with no military value. The city of Canterbury, renowned for its rich history and architectural beauty, was hit by 77 bombers, which dropped an estimated 40 tons of bombs, resulting in 43 fatalities. The devastating raid on Canterbury, which coincided with the RAF's 1,000 bomber raid on Cologne, took place on the 31st of May, 1942. In this image, Dr. Johnson, dressed in a somber suit and holding a hat in his hand, stands amidst the ruins of the Cathedral Library. The once grand and ornate building now lies in ruins, its walls scarred by the relentless bombardment. The air is heavy with the acrid smell of smoke and the eerie silence that follows a destructive raid. The Dean's solemn expression speaks volumes about the gravity of the situation and the immense loss that the city and its people have suffered. This photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of war on cultural heritage and the importance of preserving our historical sites for future generations. The destruction of the Cathedral Library was a significant blow to the people of Canterbury, but their resilience and determination to rebuild and restore their city's heritage is a testament to their enduring spirit.

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