Belfast, once home to the world's largest shipyard, became a target for the Luftwaffe during World War II. This article will delve into Belfast's Blitzkrieg, revealing the city's bitter lessons when the war broke out, as well as its pivotal role in Britain's war effort.
In the torrent of World War II, Belfast in Northern Ireland became a devastated city. New research reveals the city's ill-preparedness at the outbreak of war, and the unprecedented destruction it faced in an air raid on April 15, 1941.
At that time, about 200 Luftwaffe bombers dropped massive incendiary bombs on Belfast, and the sound of explosions at night became a nightmare for the city. Due to the lack of planning and action of the government, the anti-aircraft batteries did not fire at the German bombers. The city was plunged into an uncontrollable sea of fire, as the waterworks were destroyed and the fire could not be extinguished. The sad truth is that many residents of Belfast are homeless and the number of homes has been reduced by almost half.
Soldiers are clearing rubble after the air strike
Belfast, as a manufacturing hub, played a vital role in Britain's war effort. The shipyards of Haaland and Wolf are the largest in the world and have built several important ships for the Royal Navy. However, in this attack, the Luftwaffe positioned it as a legitimate target in an attempt to weaken Britain's war production capacity.
Junkers Ju-88
Sadly, the defense of Belfast was well understood by the Germans. With only seven anti-aircraft batteries, the city is one of the most vulnerable in all of Britain, according to documents. The Luftwaffe clearly identified industrial areas such as the Haaland and Wolf shipyards and the Schott Brothers aircraft factory as strategic targets.
In early 1911, Harland and Wolf workers left the shipyard on Queen's Road
After a series of small-scale raids, a massive attack on 15 April 1941 pushed Belfast to the brink of destruction. The British government has faced criticism from an angry public because the city has only 200 public shelters and lacks searchlights and smoke screens.
Rescuers search the rubble after an airstrike in Belfast
Belfast's bitter experience became part of a German strategy that succeeded in weakening Northern Ireland's support for Britain. All of this comes at a time when the Northern Ireland government is well prepared around other cities, and one wonders why the city seems so unprepared at such a critical time. The story of Belfast is a vivid portrayal of the city's vulnerability in war.