Image Bank
Swansea
Swansea Docks
This was Swansea’s main cargo dock on January 18th 1941. The town was attacked because it was an important place for making copper and other metals, because oil was refined at the Llandarcy refinery nearby, and because these and a lot more were shipped through the docks.
The German Airforce took many aerial photographs, pinpointed targets, and the docks were hit several times.
But with the South Dock just south west of the town, and the others just to the east, and with the accuracy of night bombing being very poor in the 1940s, the town centre was hit far more severely. Once fires started there, later waves of aircraft dropped bombs in the same place.
Activity: Time Tourists
Look at the picture and read, listen to, or print the story.
Now think about how life must have been during World War 2 and write a review for a Time Tourists Magazine.
Download the Time Tourists Writesheet to help you write your notes.