Sheffield residents mark Blitz anniversary

It was a time for remembrance and reflection as residents stepped back in time at a series of events to mark the 75th anniversary of the Sheffield Blitz.
Sheffield Blitz Event to mark 75 years after the blitz
Searchlights once again light up the Sheffield skiesSheffield Blitz Event to mark 75 years after the blitz
Searchlights once again light up the Sheffield skies
Sheffield Blitz Event to mark 75 years after the blitz Searchlights once again light up the Sheffield skies

World War Two air raid sirens sounded out across the city at 7.15pm on Saturday as two original 1940s searchlights were beamed into the sky from The Moor – an area of the city centre that was virtually flattened in the attacks.

The air raid sirens sounded at the exact time 75 years ago the bombs started dropping in Sheffield city centre and signalled the start of a dramatic ‘ring of searchlights’ that lit up the skies around the city centre.

Sheffield Blitz event at Sheffield Cathedral
39-45 Allied Group
Picture Dean AtkinsSheffield Blitz event at Sheffield Cathedral
39-45 Allied Group
Picture Dean Atkins
Sheffield Blitz event at Sheffield Cathedral 39-45 Allied Group Picture Dean Atkins
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Residents who could not attend were encouraged to black out’ at 7.15pm for two minutes as a mark of respect for the hundreds that were killed and wounded.

Hundreds of locals also turned out at ‘A Blitz Christmas’ event earlier in the day at Sheffield Cathedral featuring exhibitions, 1940s music, fashion and reenactments.

Speaking at the event, organiser Janet Ridler said: “The event not only shows people what it was like at the time of the Blitz but also recognises the significance of buildings like the Cathedral because on the nights of the bombing – when very close by a lot of buildings were devastated – the Cathedral actually escaped with nothing more than a couple of windows blown out.

“It really served as little bit of a beacon and a symbol of hope to people in those desperate times.”