Photos put focus on wartime Bristol

THESE incredible pictures give a glimpse of what life was like in Bristol during the Second World War .

The rarely seen photos have been unearthed as a result of a new project being launched by the Daily Express.

They form part of a huge archive of newspaper pictures now managed by Reach PLC, the parent company of the Bristol Post and the Daily Express.

Starting tomorrow the Express will run a four-part series - entitled The People’s War - featuring many unseen photos from wartime Britain.

The first part of the series includes an introduction by historian and Express columnist Leo McKinstry. It draws parallels to what is happening now with the Covid pandemic, looking back at the stoicism and courage and spirit of the people which helped Britain survive years of war.

Brilliant photographs, unseen for decades, paint a picture portrait of the spirit which helped Britain survive its darkest hours.

Part 1 showcases the so-called ‘Phoney War’ at home and abroad – pictures of young men off to war, gas mask drills, the Home Guard, British Expeditionary Force troops celebrating Christmas in France and the evacuation of children from big cities.

Saturday’s section features key moments on the road to victory - the important battles and brilliant victories that marked Britain’s journey from reluctant combatants to conquering heroes.

The Sunday Express will carry the third section focusing on the Blitz, and how brave Britons endured under the Nazi bombing raids and includes a dramatic eye witness account of the destruction of Coventry from former Observer editor Donald Trelford.

The final part features pictures from the home front, and of victory. It highlights how brave Britons kept the home fires burning – rationing, wartime fashion, fire wardens, the Home Guard, land girls, digging for victory and pig-keeping clubs.