Norfolk Churches and the Second World War

Norfolk's easterly position jutting out into the North Sea meant that it was well placed to facilitate aerial missions in occupied Europe during the Second World War. Furthermore, its flat terrain was ideal for airfields, particularly bomber stations. This predominantly rural county saw the building of thirty airfields on its land and a huge influx of allied servicemen into its midst by way of the 'Friendly Invasion'. Norfolk's proximity to occupied Europe brought with it a risk of invasion and in 1940 the East Anglian coast was declared a Defence Area which resulted in strict restrictions on movement in and out. A series of defences was constructed and many pillboxes can still be seen dotted across the landscape. Airfields were attacked by German bombers and, whilst they were well defended and the raids did not cause serious damage, these attacks struck fear into the local communities. In addition, Norwich was targeted in the 'Baedeker' bombing raids of 1942 and King's Lynn and Great Yarmouth also suffered, with the latter losing St Nicholas' Church (now Great Yarmouth Minster). The Royal Norfolk Regiment fought with great distinction in the Second World War and five members were awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest number of any British regiment in the conflict. The Regiment saw action at Dunkirk and in Normandy, North Africa and the Far East. Key events which greatly affected Norfolk families include the Le Paradis Massacre in 1940, and the surrender of Singapore in 1942 in which three battalions of the Royal Norfolk Regiment were captured and held prisoner by the Japanese until September 1945. Several battalions were used in home defence roles and as reinforcements for the overseas battalions. Norfolk's churches once again became quiet witnesses to the sorrow of war and a focus for mourning and commemoration. Some were permanently destroyed but others rose from the ashes.