SUNDAY marks the 75th anniversary of the start of the Luftwaffe’s Blitz of Liverpool – and a charity has released touching pictures showing how Wirral came to the aid of families escaping the bombing.

On May 1, 1941, Liverpool and surrounding areas were bombed by the German air force for seven consecutive days devastating the region and the city’s dockyards.

The armed forces charity SSAFA, formerly known as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association, answered the call of Merseyside families of soldiers serving abroad by opening two emergency homes.

One, St Fillan’s in Heswall opened in late May - only two weeks after the bombings.

St Fillans not only provided shelter for young children but also their mothers, meaning families could stay together during the devastation.

By the end of the war, St Fillan’s had provided accommodation and care for 179 mums and 238 children.

Merseyside branch chairman Gerry O’Connell said: “The Blitz had a devastating impact on Britain and the city of Liverpool and there is a memorial to those that were killed at the Liverpool Parish Church.

“I’m so proud of SSAFA and its local history in the way the charity set up the emergency homes in response to the Blitz to support the children and wives of our troops who were left homeless in Liverpool during the Second World War.

“75 years on and SSAFA is still supporting Liverpool’s Armed Forces community.”

Liverpool’s Blitz was second only to London in its devastation.

The charity has been operating since 1885 and still works with the armed forces and their families.

Mr O’Connell added: “More recently we have seen the needs of the local armed forces community increase significantly due to the ageing population of the UK and an increase in younger veterans from more recent conflicts, and their families, coming forward for help.

“SSAFA Merseyside is here for those in need.”

Anyone who is or knows someone who is currently serving, a reservist, veteran or a member of their family and are in need of support can visit the Merseyside SSAFA Branch Office at Alexandra Court, Alexandra Drive, Liverpool.