With the outbreak of war in 1939 Swansea as
a major port with an industrial hinterland became an obvious target for
the Luftwaffe. Ironically, the Three Nights Blitz in February 1941 and numerous
other bombing sorties over the town left the docks and industries virtually
unscathed but the town centre was completely obliterated. The town’s
civil defence forces, air-raid wardens, firemen, police and the Home Guard
faced up to the threats imposed on the civilian population. While the inhabitants
had to contend with the problems which shortages inflicted on everyday life.
Foodstuffs were rationed, as was petrol, coupons had to be collected in
order to buy clothes. The Women’s Land Army and the ‘Dig for
Victory’ campaign ensured the growth of crops to supplement the food
shortages. Children in Swansea must have found the war years particularly
strange, with fathers absent in the armed forces, sweets on ration and evacuees
sharing their homes and schools. Victory celebrations, street parties and
parades marked not only the end of war but also the start of a new chapter
in the history of Swansea. World
War Two sub categories..
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