Belfast Blitz Survivor Recalls Devastation and Resilience

Eighty-five years have passed since the devastating Belfast Blitz, a series of four German bombing raids in April and May 1941 that left the city shattered. Reggie Davidson, then an eight-year-old, remembers witnessing the city center ablaze from Stranmillis, an experience that shaped his memory of the war.

The Easter Tuesday raid on April 15, 1941, was particularly brutal, causing almost 1,000 fatalities and 1,500 injuries. The Luftwaffe targeted Belfast's docks and factories, essential to the war effort. Bombs struck half the city's houses, rendering 100,000 people homeless. Reggie recounts his mother's role in opening an air-raid shelter and his own youthful efforts to help.

He also described the widespread damage, especially in the York Street area, which was 'just flattened basically'. Following the raids, Reggie was evacuated to Dungannon and now resides in County Down. His reflections underscore the importance of remembering those who 'did their bit' and rose to the occasion.

Commemorating this history, the Sanctuary Theatre in east Belfast presents 'A Bomber's Moon'. The play's title refers to a bright full moon that aided aircrews. Its creators emphasize the vital role of listening to witnesses like Reggie to keep history alive for future generations. The production aims to foster empathy and a deeper understanding of Belfast's wartime resilience and spirit.