What can 1940s aerial photographs tell us about how the Second World War impacted our local area?

A guide giving a brief description and examples of, the different types of Second World War evidence found on 1940s aerial photographs.

The guide below can be used with our Aerial Photo Explorer or if you have one of our Local History Packs. Use it as part of a KS2 or KS3 Local History Study. It will help pupils learn about the impact of the Second World War in their local area. The information and interactives could be used by KS3 pupils as part of their own home learning.

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Teaching idea

What can 1940s aerial photographs tell us about how the Second World War impacted our local area?

This PowerPoint is designed to help you identify any Second World War evidence on the 1940s aerial photographs shown on our Aerial Photo Explorer or in a Local History Pack. Pupils can then use the examples of different types of evidence shown on the slides to compare those found in your locality, with those found across the whole country. This will allow them to create a Local Study looking at the impact of the Second World War on their local area.

The interactive activities on this page are designed to be used with pupils to help them learn more about evidence from the Second World War and also to help them test their knowledge once they have studied some of the information in the PowerPoint.

Learning aims and outcomes

  • To develop historical enquiry skills by using aerial photographs as primary sources
  • To gain an overview of how the Second World War impacted life in Britain/on the Home Front
  • To understand how the Second World War affected pupils’ local area
  • To compare their evidence with the national picture

Prior knowledge

  • An understanding of what the Second World War was and when it happened

Extended learning and useful links