For months, German planes targeted British towns and cities and Sunderland was one of the those to suffer the worst of German attacks.
These photos, from the Sunderland Echo archives, show the effect of the Nazi air raids and the fightback by the Royal Air Force.
They also show how life went on despite the daily threat to life.
Take a look at these historic Wearside reminders of some of the most dramatic days in British history.
1. A brave face after a devastating night
These Southwick families had been bombed out of their homes the previous night. But they passed the time until they were rehomed with a game of dominoes in their temporary shelter in September 1940. Photo: SE
2. Leaving their home town
Children had it tough in wartime Sunderland. Here is the scene on July 9 - the day before the Battle of Britain started.
It shows Sunderland evacuees in Hudson Road getting ready to leave their home town for their new homes. Photo: Sunderland Echo
3. Time for training
While the fighting went on in the skies, there was still a job to be done and these people were getting in some training at the A.T.S. Northern Depot in 1940. Photo: se
4. Hard at work
Workmen go about clearing up the debris from another raid. More than 270 people died in Sunderland during bombing from 1940 to 1941. Photo: SE