THIS week I’ve been taking a look at some of the records relating to the Second World War in Worcester, in particular, the Worcester City Historic Environment Record, which holds a huge collection relating to the Defence of Britain.

These records were compiled by a team of dedicated volunteers in the 1990s and early 2000s, who tirelessly researched the key role that Worcestershire played in the defence of the realm.

Their records include hundreds of individual air raid shelters, road blocks, pill boxes and gun emplacements alongside sites like RAF Perdiswell, and local industries that played important roles during this period.

The 18th-century Perdiswell Hall, shortly before demolition in the 1950s, but during the war years, headquarters to RAF No 2 Elementary Flight Training School

The 18th-century Perdiswell Hall, shortly before demolition in the 1950s, but during the war years, headquarters to RAF No 2 Elementary Flight Training School

Defensive measures around the county were critical, particularly as Worcester was earmarked to host the government, should they be required to evacuate from the capital.

This material together with the stories shared by local people provides a compelling document of life during the conflict of this period, and will soon be available for local people to search via our new web platform Know Your Place Worcester, on a street-by-street basis.

A Second World War period pre-fabricated building, constructed in the grounds of Perdiswell Hall, alongside a number of other additional temporary buildings, many of which were a feature of the landscape until the later 20th-century

A Second World War period pre-fabricated building, constructed in the grounds of Perdiswell Hall, alongside a number of other additional temporary buildings, many of which were a feature of the landscape until the later 20th-century

Material from our photographic collection, generally date from the early 1950s, but illustrate how the war was still felt on a day-to-day basis, with notices about rationed provisions still on display in shop windows, air raid shelters still standing in some cases and pre-fabricated buildings in evidence around the city.

One local gentleman, Brian Orme, shared his early memories of Northwick, having grown up in Vine Street: “The next nearest air raid shelter was in Pinkett Street, and at the end of the Second World War, seeing these being demolished by a crane with a long chain and a big steel weight, I got too near and was struck on the shoulder by a flying brick.

“If that had been six inches higher, I wouldn’t be talking to you now. Everyone wanted to see the end of things to do with the Second World War, so we were all glad to see them go.”

Do you have memories of the Second World War in Worcester? Or perhaps you remember the air raid shelter at the end of your street? We’d love to hear your stories.

Worcester Life Stories logo

Worcester Life Stories logo

Worcester Life Stories is a collaborative project bringing local people together through shared stories of the City of Worcester.

It is co-led by Dr Natasha Lord, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust and Sheena Payne-Lunn, Worcester City Council and funded thanks to National Lottery players.

For further information or to share your stories, visit worcesterlifestories.org.uk, our Facebook page or Twitter @worlifestories.

You can also email worcesterlifestories@gmail.com or call 01905 721133.

And why not visit the We grew up in Worcester page on Facebook?