Exeter

During World War 2 Exeter suffered immensely when it was bombed by the German Luftwaffe in 19 air raids between 1940 and 1942 which flattened much of the city. The first air raid happened on the 7th August 1940. The local newspaper 'The Echo' reported this on the 9th August 1940, "Five bombs fell on a south west town on Wednesday night. Little damage was done to property, and the only casualties were a middle aged man who was able to walk to a first aid post, a canary which died from shock and a few chickens."  

In 1942, Exeter was bombed in retaliation to the RAF bombing of Lubeck in Germany. This resulted in 40 acres of the city, significantly the central high street and Sidwell street, being destroyed and flattened. Many historic buildings in the heart of the city were destroyed including the famous Exeter Cathedral being severely damaged.

Overall, throughout the 19 air raids, 1,500 homes were destroyed and 265 people died. Many civilians suffered major injuries and many buildings withstood minor damage. 

Plymouth

During World War 2 Plymouth was targeted and victimised by German bombers because it was an important city. This was because warships were kept in the docks at Plymouth. As a result of the significance Plymouth had in the war, Plymouth suffered 54 air raids. The first bombs fell on the city on Saturday 6 July 1940 at Swilly, killing three people. In early 1941, five raids reduced much of the city to rubble. Attacks continued as late as May 1944 with two minor air raids in that month. During the 54 bombing attacks, 1,172 civilians were killed and 4,448 were severely injured. On 22 April 1941 during an attack on the central area, the air raid shelter at Portland Square took a direct hit which killed 72 people. During the Blitz the two main shopping centres and nearly every public building were destroyed, along with 26 schools, eight cinemas and 41 churches. Overall, 3,754 homes were destroyed and 18,398 were seriously damaged. In addition, many historical buildings were destroyed such as St. Andrew's Parish Church.