History of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston-on-Sea

What Happened in World War II

Defenses upgraded

The start of World War II in 1939 saw the defences of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston little changed from 1918. As we all now know, the threat of invasion in WWI was nil, mainly due to the way war was waged at that time. The threat in 1939 was altogether different. The Germans had shown themselves capable of overwhelming countries in a matter of weeks. Although the UK was in a parlous state, militarily, immediate action was taken to install some necessary defences for Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. After all Holland is less than 100 miles away.The beaches were mined and barb wired, and tank traps, along with pill-boxes, built. To protect the harbour and beaches two six inch guns with searchlights were installed at North Battery at the junction of Jellico Road and North Drive. More guns were installed at the harbour mouth on the end of South Pier and The Links Battery on Goleston Cliffs was upgraded. There were also Anti-Aircraft guns installed in and around the towns.

War comes to Great Yarmouth

It started with a lone German plane scoring hits on two houses in Gordon Street killing two people, the first of 90 air raids endured, more than any other coastal town in the country. It was definitely no picnic living in Great Yarmouth during WWII. In 1941, the worst year, 109 people were killed. On the 8th April 1941 during a particularly severe air raid, an estimated 4,000 incendiary bombs fell on the town killing 17 and injuring a further 68. As if the Luftwaffe was not enough, the local council got in on the act when it was deemed necessary to demolish the Revolving Tower on the sea front to prevent its use as a landmark for German Aircrew. An understandable precaution. By 1942 air raids had diminished but they caused a great deal of damage to the historic buildings in the walled part of the town. By 1943, in an effort to counteract low flying German bombers, Barrage balloons had become part of the scene over Great Yarmouth. Unfortunately, this precaution was not enough to prevent 49 people being killed during an air raid on the 11th May 1943. The largest loss of life was in North Drive where 26 A.T.S girls perished when their quarters received a direct hit. By 1944 the threat from air-raids had reduced to the extent that evacuees started to return to the town. The local council made a start on re-building, and land was purchased from Magdalen College, Oxford and used to build the Magdalen Estate, many of the streets bearing the names of the illustrious colleges of Oxford University. By July 1945 normality was seen to return as the beaches of both Great Yarmouth and Gorleston were cleared of the paraphenalia of war and re-opened to the public.

Great Yarmouth and Gorleston bombed

A common theme running throughout WWII was the fact that civilian casualties often outnumbered military casualties. Great Yarmouth followed this trend. Despite having a Naval base on the doorstep undoubtledly it was the civilians who died. A number of Air Raid shelters were built for the population, which was uncommon foresight for the British civil service. During the early period of the war Great Yarmouth was used as a dispersal area for evacuees from London, who arrived by coastal steamers before moving to safer inland areas. At this time the population of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston fell by a third as many of the residents, also moved to safer areas in the countryside.

Frederick Street Gorleston 1941
Bomb Disposal Frederick Street 1941

East Coast Convoys

As early as 1939 ships plying the East Coast were convoyed to reduce losses. It is a great pity the U.S.A. did not follow this lead as many a sailor died in their waters as the U.S.A. steadfastly failed to recognise the value of convoys. It may have been different if they had thought of it first. The East Coast convoy Route was a mile wide and extended from the Firth of Forth to the Thames and was protected by the Royal Navy. The principal dangers were from mines and E-boats. Owing to danger of attack, the fishing industry was suspended for the duration of the war. This did not mean the fishing fleet was moth-balled however, as many of the fishing boats were converted to minesweepers to protect the East Coast convoys. Typically, many of the fishermen volunteered for the Royal Naval Reserve and went hunting for an altogether different prey - much deadlier. As well as minesweepers Great Yarmouth, which had now become H.M.S. Watchful, was protecting the convoys with Air Sea Rescue boats, salvage tugs and M.T.B.s. In 1940 HMS Miranda was established at Fishwharf and became home to the minesweeping trawlers and sundry vessels. It took until 1944 before purpose built minesweepers had replaced the minesweeping trawlers. The Air Sea Rescue service was a joint operation performed by the R.N., R.A.F. and R.N.L.I. and accreditted with the rescue of 800 airman during the war they could feel justly proud of the part they played. It was no bit part.

St Nicholas Church 1942

What was left of it

St Nicholas Church 2004

Restored to its former glory

Air Sea Rescue 1939 - 45

Pictures by kind permission of Michael Page

aerial view of ceremony
Air Sea Rescue