Stories of bravery during Belfast Blitz retold as UK art collection goes live

Family history brand Ancestry has put together the collection based on real-life stories during World War Two.

Belfast-based artist Danielle Simpson is one of 33 artists who feature, bringing to life the story of 15-year-old William Bennett, who rescued people from a house by holding debris of a tunnel on his back.

In another of her pieces she depicts the bravery shown by Bruce Graham who maintained communications between the Report Centre and Services during the air raids by carrying operational messages on his motorcycle, riding the whole time despite explosives falling around him.

The 80 pieces of art are available to view on Ancestry.co.uk/Blitz80 from today.

The collection was inspired by the War Artists Advisory Committee (WAAC) which was established at the outbreak of World War II by the UK Government’s Ministry of Information.

Its aim was to compile a comprehensive artistic record of Britain throughout the war and by the end of WWII included 5,570 pieces. The original records are held at The National Archives, in Kew.

Ancestry’s Russell James said: “As we mark the 80th anniversary of the start of The Blitz, a time of tragedy but also a time that truly demonstrated the great British spirit we wanted to pay tribute to the original War Artists Advisory Committee by adding our own update to this important collection of works with 80 new pieces, each inspired by everyday life during The Blitz.

“By preserving these stories in a new and engaging way, we hope we can shine a light on what our families went through during that time and encourage people now to discover their connection to The Blitz and World War Two.”

Dr William Butler, Head of Military Records at The National Archives, said: “This fascinating Ancestry project showcases how our historical collections can inspire in such a variety of ways, and has provided such an impressive breadth of responses.

“The Civilian Gallantry Award records are a treasure trove of stories, highlighting the incredible and often dangerous work carried out by individuals working as air raid wardens, first aid workers, firewatchers and messengers during the Second World War. They provide vivid details of the exploits and heroic deeds of civilians fighting a war away from the battlefields and highlight the sacrifices so often made on the home front.”