15 rarely-seen photos take you back to Leeds in the 1940s

This collection of photos takes you back to Leeds 1940s – although the specific year of each image is unknown.

By Andrew Hutchinson

Published 11th Apr 2024, 04:45 BST

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They take you around the city during the decade but can you add a specific date to any of the wonderful photos which provide a fascinating glimpse into life around Leeds? Suburbs in focus include Richmond Hill, Hunslet and Morley as well as Yeadon, Armley and Tingley as well as Leeds city centre. The images are a mix from the David Atkinson Archive and others published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. READ MORE: 40 photo gems of Leeds city centre from the 1940s LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up to free news and sport emails

Sandbagging to prevent bomb damage to Morley Hall Maternity Home during the Second World War. Nursing staff from the Hall are helping to pile up sandbags.

1. Leeds circa 1940s

Sandbagging to prevent bomb damage to Morley Hall Maternity Home during the Second World War. Nursing staff from the Hall are helping to pile up sandbags. Photo: David Atkinson Archive

A group portrait of some of the young women who were part of a staff of more than 17,500 people employed at Avro Yeadon (A.V. Roe) during the years of the Second World War. The Avro factory was built in 1939 close to Yeadon Aerodrome. It was one of several nation-wide 'shadow factories', as they were called, and also the largest in Europe, occupying a site of around 34 acres. Many of the workers were female and a proportion were local girls. However, huge numbers of workers arrived for their shifts in special buses, travelling from all over West Yorkshire.

2. Lededs circa 1940s

A group portrait of some of the young women who were part of a staff of more than 17,500 people employed at Avro Yeadon (A.V. Roe) during the years of the Second World War. The Avro factory was built in 1939 close to Yeadon Aerodrome. It was one of several nation-wide 'shadow factories', as they were called, and also the largest in Europe, occupying a site of around 34 acres. Many of the workers were female and a proportion were local girls. However, huge numbers of workers arrived for their shifts in special buses, travelling from all over West Yorkshire. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

Two men can be seen in the entrance to the blacksmith's shop and forge on Hunslet Road. It was a business belonging to the Wright Brothers shoeing smiths.

3. Leeds circa 1940s

Two men can be seen in the entrance to the blacksmith's shop and forge on Hunslet Road. It was a business belonging to the Wright Brothers shoeing smiths. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

A photo of members of the Civil Defence Groups in Garforth during the Second World War. These include Air Raid Wardens, Auxilliary Fire Services and nurses.

4. Leeds circa 1940s

A photo of members of the Civil Defence Groups in Garforth during the Second World War. These include Air Raid Wardens, Auxilliary Fire Services and nurses. Photo: Garforth Historical Society

The old main building of West Leeds High School on Whingate in Armley. The two main entrances, one each for boys and girls, can be seen, and part of Charlie Cake Park is visible in the foreground.

5. Leeds circa 1940s

The old main building of West Leeds High School on Whingate in Armley. The two main entrances, one each for boys and girls, can be seen, and part of Charlie Cake Park is visible in the foreground. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net

People enjoying the model locomotives at Blackgates Miniature Railway. In the foreground there is a model of an A4 Streamline Locomotive. This type of locomotive was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for the London and North Eastern railway in 1935.

6. Leeds circa 1940s

People enjoying the model locomotives at Blackgates Miniature Railway. In the foreground there is a model of an A4 Streamline Locomotive. This type of locomotive was designed by Sir Nigel Gresley for the London and North Eastern railway in 1935. Photo: David Atkinson Archive

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