Witham Street, Belfast

On the night of 4th-5th May 1941, during the Fire Raid of the Belfast Blitz, bombs fell on Witham Street in East Belfast killing and injuring several people.

Witham Street in East Belfast sustained heavy damage during the Fire Raid of the Belfast Blitz. On the night of 4th-5th May 1941, the street and surrounding neighbourhoods fell victim to Incendiary Bombs and Parachute Mines.

In Witham Street, several homes had their own domestic air raid shelters in their backyards. These provided little protection for residents as a heavy blast flattened them over a distance of more than 40 yards. The demolition of a total of 35 houses took place over the duration of the raid.

Even after the All Clear sounded, Witham Street would suffer further loss. A Delay-Action Bomb went off in the street causing the deaths of 9 more people including Martha Allister, a member of the Women’s Voluntary Service.