1942 Gallery

Damage to Canterbury Cathedral Library, WW2 - Baedeker Blitz

"Canterbury under fire" - Damage sustained to the Cathedal LIbrary examined by Dr. Hewlett Johnson, Dean of Canterbury, by bombing on the city by German planes of the luftwaffe during WW2. The Baedeker Blitz (or Baedeker raids) were targeted raids, chosen for hitting sites of cultural or historical significance, rather than for any military value. The raid on Canterbury (which coincided with the RAF's 1, 000 bomber raid on Cologne), involved 77 bombers, dropping 40 tons of bombs, resulting in 43 deaths. This raid hit Canterbury on 31st May, 1942. Date: 1942

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

HMS Habbakuk in section

Illustration showing a cross section of the top secret design for HMS Habbakuk a giant aircraft-carrier built of ice and wood pulp, which was proposed as a secret weapon in the Second World War. This project was put forward by Geoffrey Pyke in 1942, but was never built as the practicalities involved were too much for the British war effort. The system of construction and propulsion, the crew's accomodation, air craft hangars and defensive armament are detailed

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Captain Charles Upham

Portrait of double VC winner, Captain Charles Upham (). Born in New Zealand, Upham was a sheep farmer who distinguished himself during World War Two on two occasions. On July 14th/15th 1942, Captain Upham led an attack on a strong enemy position at El Ruweisat Ridge in the Western Desert. Despite being wounded in one arm, he destroyed a tank and several guns and vehicles, returning to his company after his wound was dressed and remaining with them until he was severely wounded and captured. Previous to that in May 1941, he had won the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry during operations in Crete. He is one of only three men to have won the Victoria Cross and Bar since its institution in 1856. The other two, Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Martin-Leake and Captain Noel Chavasse are also included in this picture

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans