We’re united in battle with a common foe...
Sunderland is in a battle with a fearsome foe – just as it was in the Second World War.
But the positive news is that, just like in the 1940s, it is fighting the battle with allies by its side.
The similarities, and differences, between the fights in the Second World War and in 2020 have been highlighted by Janette Hilton, the Managing Director of Living History North East and who runs the Donnison School Heritage and Education Centre in Sunderland.
We asked Janette if the UK’s struggles 75 years apart could be compared and they certainly can in some regards.
“The similarities are that the nation unified against a common foe,” said Janette.
“Although it is a lot less tangible now than in the Second World War
“In the Second World War, there was an expectation that as soon as war was declared the planes would come over and bomb.
“But there was a quiet lull period where less happened and people were wondering if it was not going to be as bad as expected. But when the bombing started in 1941, it became clear that it was going to be difficult for everyone.”
“The differences in 2020 are that the enemy is an invisible one that we don’t comprehend and perhaps the comparison is really with the Spanish flu.
“But I suppose the spirit of the people is the factor that we see.
“People want to help and people want to be a part of the community and want to make a contribution. They want to recognise what people are doing like those in the NHS.”
Other similarities include queues for food, although the shortages experienced by Sunderland people in the Second World War were much more severe.
A big difference, though, is the experience facing children in the two eras. Today’s youngsters can barely venture outside.
However, during the Second World War, it was a different story. They would go out and collect shrapnel after air raids, said Janette.
Living History North East is a charity based in the Donnison School Building in the east end, working as the regional oral history centre and housing a developing heritage and education centre