Winston Churchill’s famous victory speech announcing the end of war will be broadcast in public spaces across the country at 3pm on Friday, May 8.
But here is our own reminder of Hartlepool’s valiant Churchillian spirit as its people fought on through the war years.
We have delved into the Mail archives to find photos of air raid damage throughout the district, locals going about their daily business despite the Nazi threat, and the lighter side of it all with the cinema schedule from 1940.
Perhaps a relative of yours is in the picture. Take a look at our selection.
1. Undaunted despite the threat
The factory of Tin Boxes Ltd was partly demolished by a direct hit in 1940. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
3. A miracle escape
The home of a family of seven was partly demolished in Falder Road, yet they all escaped without harm in 1940. Photo: Hartlepool Mail
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West Hartlepool evacuees Broan Howe, Jean Allison and Michael Imeson are pictured 'somewhere in the country' in July 1941. Do you or any of your relatives remember being evacuated during the war years? Photo: HM