Liverpool to mark 75th anniversary of week it rained bombs in WWII

Liverpool, the most bombed provincial city in Britain during World War II, is to mark the 75th anniversary of the week it rained bombs.

On May 1, 1941, Adof Hitler unleashed the might of his war machine on Liverpool, targeting the city's dockland.

In the week that followed, the German Luftwaffe dropped 870 tonnes of high explosive bombs and more than 112,000 incendiary firebombs on the city center and the port.

The relentless bombardment left more than 1,700 men, women and children dead and thousands injured, and destroyed large areas of the city.

National Museums Liverpool (NML) will hold activities related to the historic event since May 1. Actors dressed in 1940s costumes will play the roles in some of the stories surrounding the blitz, and there will be a range of exhibitions, talks and tours.

NML's Julia Bryan said,"During the Second World War, Liverpool's role as a vital port made it a key target for Germany. It suffered the most concentrated series of air attacks on any British city area outside London."

"During the week of events, we're looking forward to meeting people who can tell us more about that time, whether it is from their own experience or passed on by someone they knew," said Bryan.

"Role-players and family crafts will give the younger generation the chance to understand Liverpool's role in the Second World War and appreciate the spirit of the city to survive," Bryan added.

One actor will play the part of Winston Churchill, repeating the message given at the time by the prime minister as he famously said of Liverpool: "I see the damage done by the enemy attacks, but I also see the spirit of an unconquered people."

A female player dressed as a Wren, the name given to women serving in the Women's Royal Naval Service, will share details of the top secret work carried out underneath the streets of Liverpool.

The impact of the bombing on the port and its role in the war will be explored at NML's Merseyside Maritime Museum, telling how Liverpool helped keep Britain alive for almost six years with food convoys.

Visitors to the Piermaster's House which survived the Blitz, will be able to travel back in time to the 1940s to find out what life in Liverpool was really like during Second World War.

There will also be 1940s entertainment with a variety show, featuring wartime songs and sketches made famous by big-name stars of the time.

The events across Liverpool will continue until May 7.