Today, 76 years on, we remember the Second World War and its effects on Hartlepool – from the men and women who lived through it to the damage which the town suffered.
Take a look at the aftermath of air raids and how the resilient people of Hartlepool still fought on. Take a look at the Home Guard and the firefighters who were always ready for action.
And take a look at the VE Day parties which came as such a relief when war in Europe was finally over.
All these photos come to us courtesy of the Hartlepool Museum Service and Hartlepool Library Service and we thank them for some dramatic reminders of our town.
1. Hard at it in training
ARP Instructors, assisted by Police Officers, were teaching revival techniques in this 1940s scene. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service
2. A hit on the chip shop
Oliver's fish shop and a furniture store next door took a hit during this air raid in June 1940 in Musgrave Street and Queen Street. St Joseph's School can be seen in the background. Photo: other 3rd party
3. They had to leave their home town
Evacuated children from Sacred Heart School with teachers in Scarborough. Do you know someone who was evacuated from the town. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service
4. All hands to the pump
Six men from the Auxiliary Fire Service were pictured standing next to the pump. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service. Photo: Hartlepool Museum Service