We delved into the archives to find these images of locals going on with daily life despite the ever-present threat of German bombs.
They cleaned up after air raids, went about their daily lives and smiled through adversity.
Take a look at these reminders of Hartlepool and County Durham through the wartime years.
1. They were separated from their families
Wartime meant evacuation for many children including these West Hartlepool evacuees Brian Howe, Jean Allison and Michael Imeson pictured 'somewhere in the country' in July 1941. Photo: HM
2. The morning after the raid
An August 1940 scene in Faulder Road where a family of seven - whose home was partly demolished - crawled out without a scratch. And take a look at the houseproud lady cleaning her windows with wreckage all around. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
3. They remained defiant in the face of the bombs
The bombardment of Church Street in August 1940 - but look at the response soon after the raid. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
4. A Royal visit to brighten the spirits
The Duchess of Kent raised spirits with a visit to Horden pit in 1944. Locals made sure that the mines kept on supplying the country during the war years. Photo: Hartlepool Mail