There were nine bombing raids on Leeds during the Second World War resulting in 77 fatalities. The night of Friday, March 14, 1941, proved to be the most devastating bombing raid by the German Luftwaffe. These photos tell the story of how bombing raids brought Leeds to its knees and how your city bounced back. READ MORE: Leeds residents urged to play their part in 75th anniversary of VE Day from home LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook
1. Leeds bombing raids
By the dawn of 1941, several British cities had already suffered horrific damage and huge loss of life in bombing raids. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
2. Leeds bombing raids
Lewis's on The Headrow where a brick wall has been built over the entrance with access gained from the sides, to help prevent bomb damage. In the centre are black and white painted, for blackout visibility, static water tanks. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
3. Leeds bombing raids
Despite tempting targets the city was left relatively untouched. The Woodpecker Inn, at the junction of York Road and Marsh Lane, was damaged during an air raid. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
4. Leeds bombing raids
The city's only real experience of the Luftwaffe had come in August 1940 when three people were killed by bombs which fell on Whitehall Road, pictured. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
5. Leeds bombing raids
This photo shows bomb damage to St. John's Sunday School on Whitehall Road which occurred in August 1940. | other Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
6. Leeds bombing raids
A 60-year-old man died in late August 1940 after a bomb hit York House in the Quarry Hill flats. | jpimedia