The Three Nights’ Blitz remembered 85 years on

South Wales Police reflects on the devastation and loss caused during the Three Nights’ Blitz over Swansea and pay tribute to the roles played by police officers from the Swansea Borough Police.

Between the 19^th and 21^st of February 1941, Swansea endured three consecutive nights of air raids. The attacks were heavy and sustained and were carried out with the intentions of destroying the local port, docks and oil refinery. These areas were targeted for bombing due to the support they provided in fuelling the Allied war effort.

The raids reduced much of the town centre to rubble and destroyed many homes and residential areas, leaving many people across the community displaced. An eyewitness later recalled the devastation caused by raids, saying:

“The centre of the town was completely devastated. No buildings were left entirely, and it was something you had seen only on films before – but it was complete. No buildings were standing all you could see was rubble all over the place.”

Swansea town centre, February 1941. Image: West Glamorgan Archive Service.

During the bombardment, police officers from Swansea and the surrounding areas acted quickly to protect the townspeople. They guarded premises which had been bombed to prevent looting and enforced restrictions on access to the town centre, where the ruins of so many buildings were dangerous.

An officer patrols Swansea in the aftermath of the Blitz. Image: West Glamorgan Archive Service.

The raids, which undoubtedly presented the Swansea force with its greatest-ever challenge, would claim the lives of over 200 people. One of the lives lost during the bombardment was that of police sergeant William Flitter, who was killed on police duty when an explosive bomb fell over Orchard Street. His name was later remembered on the Memorial Window at Swansea Central Police Station and he is also remembered in our force’s Roll of Honour 1939-1945.

In the aftermath of the Blitz, several officers of Swansea Borough were commended for their actions, including Police Chief Frank Joseph May, who was awarded an OBE for his role in the response to the bombardment. Another officer recognised for his gallantry was PC Francis Dart, who received the British Empire Medal for his part in rescuing people from bombed buildings.

Winston Churchill visits Swansea in the wake of the Blitz. Frank Joseph May is pictured far left.

February 1941 saw the most intense and devastating bombing raids Wales had ever seen and 85 years on, we remember the Three Nights’ Blitz and pay our respects to those who lost their lives.

On this poignant occasion, we also pay tribute to the officers of the Swansea Borough Police, who displayed such bravery and courage in serving their communities.