Exeter blitz remembered

The aftermath of the Exeter blitz Credit: Video-Ex Production

Exeter Cathedral is commemorating the 70th anniversary of the blitz with a day of special activities. The intensity of the air raids destroyed surrounding streets but most of the cathedral escaped unscathed with the exception of one side chapel which was later rebuilt.

As well as events at the Cathedral a 90 minute documentary DVD is being broadcast on a giant screen in the centre of the Princesshay development. It shows the shocking aftermath of the raids including rare photographs taken on the night of the bombing.

The DVD also features film footage and photographs that have been collected by local publisher Peter Thomas and historic film maker Alan Tibbitts. They've spent a lot of time trying to identify locations left virtually unrecognisable by the bombing.

May 4th was the worst night of bombing but 265 lives were lost in a total of 19 air raids. Film maker Alan Tibbitts says he found looking through the images very moving.

Today's showing marks the official launch of the blitz dvd which coincides with the other commemorative events taking place across the city.