Historic Photos Show Devastation of Manchester's Old Trafford Stadium
An incredible set of historical photos from World War Two have been opened to the British public for the first time, revealing the extent of German bombing on UK cities. One of the cities featured in the photos is Manchester, specifically Old Trafford stadium, which suffered significant damage during the war.
Damage to Stadium Resulted in Eight-Year Closure
The US Air Force captured the devastating damage done to Old Trafford's former main stand in a photo dated May 30, 1944. The stadium was hit during bombing raids in March 1941, rendering it unusable until 1949. Not only was the south stand almost completely destroyed, but the bombing also wrecked the pitch and foundations, forcing Manchester United to share grounds with rivals Manchester City at Maine Road until the stadium could be safely rebuilt.
Insight into Surrounding Area and Cricket Ground
The released photos also offer a unique glimpse of the surrounding area of Old Trafford, including the old White City stadium used for Greyhound racing and speedway. Additionally, Old Trafford cricket ground, which served as a transit camp for troops returning from Dunkirk in 1940, is also captured in the photos.
Stadium Has Undergone Redevelopment Since
The stand that suffered the bomb damage is now known as the Sir Bobby Charlton stand. Since the war, Old Trafford has undergone redevelopment, and the main stand is now named after Sir Alex Ferguson. This redevelopment took place in 1996 and transformed the stadium into its current state.
Historic England Releases Unseen Photos
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, spoke about the release of these previously unseen photos, stating that they offer a valuable glimpse into the changes that occurred in England during the Second World War. The photos also capture incidental details, such as American troops playing baseball. Wilson emphasized that these images, taken by USAAF pilots and aircraft, were instrumental in the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany, but not without a cost, as many pilots lost their lives. Historic England is now making these images available to the public for the first time online, allowing people to access this remarkable collection of historic photographs and appreciate the vital role aerial reconnaissance played in the Second World War.
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