Tours and talk remember impact of war on city, with focus on 1942 Blitz

AS the world prepares to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, two events in Exeter will focus on the impact of the Second World War on the city.

- by ECHO REPORTER

While the nation will remember the celebrations to end the war, there will be a focus on the Exeter Blitz of 1942 in events led by the city's Red Coat Guides.

Also known as the Baedeker Raid, the Exeter Blitz was part of Adolf Hitler's retaliation for a Royal Air Force raid on the medieval German city of Lübeck in March 1942. German bombers targeted small, historic cities, rather than larger industrial centres. They were dubbed the Baedeker Raids after a popular German guide book to Britain.

Exeter was the first place to be attacked. It was bombed over three consecutive nights in April 1942 and again one night in May.