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Swansea and The Second World War

Bernard Lewis said:

“Until now most books about Second World War Swansea have mainly concentrated on images of the bomb-damaged town centre or personal recollections of those who lived through the ordeal. I’ve taken a broader approach when researching in both local and national archives to include information about the extensive civil defence organisation that sprang up from almost nothing and I’ve also looked at how the town was fortified against attack from the air or invasion. As such, I describe the activities of the regular army, Home Guard, anti-aircraft batteries and the balloon defence units that tried to protect the town as well as the extensive efforts that saw air raid shelters, pill boxes, tank traps, minefields and other defensive structures being created in and around the town in an effort to keep the enemy at bay.”

 The defining moment of the town’s experience of the Second World War was undoubtedly the “Three Nights’ Blitz” of 19-21 February 1941 when Swansea was heavily bombed over three consecutive nights, leaving the town centre a pile of smouldering rubble accompanied by a lengthy casualty list.

 “Naturally, the effect of the 40 air raids are detailed in the book but the “Three Nights’ Blitz” was absolutely devastating. The situation arose partly as a result of the fact that for around 40 minutes on the final night of attacks the anti-aircraft guns were ordered to cease firing – giving the enemy a free run at the town with disastrous consequences in terms of physical damage and loss of life. My research in the anti-aircraft regiment’s war diary has revealed how this incident occurred and – suffice it to say – Swansea’s air raid precautions controller (the Town Clerk) was absolutely furious and made his views forcibly known to the military.”

 In amongst the regular and terrifying air raids, life in Swansea had to continue, and Bernard Lewis has thrown new light on many aspects of the town under war-time conditions:

 “Food rationing and the metal railings salvage campaign often spring to mind when discussing the Home Front in the Second World War but, beyond that, the war affected people in lots of other ways including the conscription of women, dealing with conscientious objectors, the mass evacuation of children in May 1941 and the arrival of the Americans in 1943. It’s a compelling story of terror, courage and fortitude that deserves to be told.”

 Swansea and the Second World War by Bernard Lewis (£14.99, Y Lolfa) is available October 2024.