The Village That The Luftwaffe Bombed By Mistake

Summary

In this video, the narrator explores a charming local legend from Linby, Nottinghamshire, about a bombing raid during World War II that never actually happened. The story involves Lord Haw-Haw's predictions about the bombing of Linby Docks, which were mistakenly identified on a map. Despite the tale being woven into local folklore, historical evidence suggests it’s likely a myth. The narrator reflects on the nature of legends and the gap between folklore and documented history, concluding that while the story may not be true, it's still a part of the town's charm.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Linby Trail is a scenic location in Nottinghamshire, England, which is being used as a backdrop for the story being told.
• 😀 The story revolves around an incident from World War II where a local myth about a failed bombing of 'Linby Docks' is explored.
• 😀 The myth of the bombing revolves around Lord Haw-Haw, a fascist propagandist, who supposedly predicted the bombing of Linby Docks.
• 😀 'Linby Docks' were, in reality, just small streams in the village, not actual dockyards as the German forces believed, making the target strategically irrelevant.
• 😀 The bombing attempt in the story did not result in any damage or casualties, and the bombs landed a few miles away from Linby.
• 😀 There is no solid evidence to support the bombing story; no official records or newspaper articles confirm any bombing in Linby at the time.
• 😀 The myth is largely based on local folklore and has been passed down through generations, becoming part of Linby's local history.
• 😀 The script suggests that Lord Haw-Haw was more of an entertainer than a genuine threat, as his broadcasts were based on guessing or repeating public news.
• 😀 There are no recordings or credible sources to suggest that Lord Haw-Haw ever mentioned Linby Docks in his broadcasts.
• 😀 The speaker is open to the possibility that the bombing story could have been true, but the lack of evidence leads to uncertainty, making it a charming local legend rather than a documented fact.

Q & A

What is the significance of Linby in the script?

Linby is a small village in Nottinghamshire, England, where the speaker discusses a local story involving World War II, particularly a bombing event that never occurred. The village is the setting for the tale of 'Linby Docks,' which is part of local folklore.

Who is William Joyce and what role did he play during World War II?

William Joyce, also known as Lord Haw-Haw, was a broadcaster who transmitted fascist propaganda from Germany to the UK. His broadcasts aimed to demoralize the British public, and he gained notoriety for his often accurate predictions about bombings.

Why was 'Linby Docks' targeted by the Luftwaffe according to Lord Haw-Haw?

According to Lord Haw-Haw, Linby Docks were targeted for bombing, as they were seen as a strategic target. However, 'Linby Docks' is a misnomer, as the 'docks' are just small streams, not actual dockyards, and had no strategic value.

Did the Luftwaffe actually bomb Linby Docks?

No, the Luftwaffe did not bomb Linby Docks. The bombs fell a couple of miles away, and no one was hurt. The story is part of local myth, but there is no evidence to confirm the bombing took place.

Why is the story of Linby Docks considered part of local folklore?

The story of Linby Docks has been passed down through generations in Linby, becoming a cherished local legend. However, historical research does not support the existence of such an event, and it is more likely a tale that evolved over time.

What does the speaker suggest about the reliability of Lord Haw-Haw's broadcasts?

The speaker suggests that Lord Haw-Haw's broadcasts were largely unreliable. He didn't actually predict bombings in advance but relied on news reports and often lied or guessed to create the illusion of being accurate.

What does the speaker say about the historical records of the Blitz in Linby?

The speaker states that there are no historical records or newspaper articles from the time that document any bombings in Linby. Local authorities and archives have no mention of any incidents, further suggesting that the Linby Docks bombing story is a myth.

What role do myths and folklore play in local culture according to the speaker?

The speaker acknowledges that myths and folklore, like the Linby Docks story, play an important role in local culture by preserving tales that are passed down through generations. These stories, while not necessarily factual, hold cultural and emotional value.

Does the speaker believe that the Linby Docks story should be debunked or proven true?

The speaker doesn't believe the Linby Docks story needs to be debunked or proven true. Instead, they view it as a good story, one that adds character to the community, even if it's not entirely factual.

How does the speaker compare the story of Linby Docks to other historical legends?

The speaker compares the Linby Docks story to other historical legends, such as the tale of King Alfred burning the cakes. They suggest that these stories, even if not completely true, do not need to be verified because they are part of cultural heritage and add to the richness of history.