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Sheffield Blitz - The Definitive Collection

Regular price £ 94.95 GBP
Regular price £ 132.00 GBP Sale price £ 94.95 GBP
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Sheffield's war secrets revealed in Sheffield Blitz – The Definitive Collection. Includes copies of three actual German bombing maps used to target Sheffield — never available before — plus a certificate of authenticity.

Central to the collection are four stunning coffee table books that debunk 80 years of myths and half-truths — discover the real reasons for the attacks that left nearly a tenth of the city homeless in December 1940.

Based on 15 years of brand-new research, this collection is already the subject of a major BBC documentary.

Comes in a luxury gift box, with all books personally signed by celebrated Sheffield author Neil Anderson.

This is a time machine into your family’s hidden history and an education for its future.




What does the collection include?

• Four stunning, large-format coffee table books – all first editions, all personally signed by author Neil Anderson (RRP £110.00)
• Copies of three German bombing maps of Sheffield showing actual bombing targets (RRP £10.00)
• FREE bonus book revealing Sheffield's first ever air raid - a zeppelin attack in 1916 (RRP £12.00)
• Details of the FREE Sheffield Blitz Walk App and Guided Memorial Walk
• Certificate of authenticity
• Comes in a luxury gift box
• Free UK postage (sent next day delivery by Royal Mail Tracked 24).

Why are these books so sought after?

• Hundreds of rare and never-before-seen photos
• Scores of first-hand accounts from survivors
• The definitive story of the Marples Hotel tragedy – the site of the single biggest loss of life
• A map showing where all bombs were dropped across the city
• Complete list of everyone who died in Sheffield during World War Two
• Incredible stories of survival and the unbreakable spirit of the Sheffield people.

Tell me about the three German bombing maps

These are copies of a set of ultra-rare German bombing maps of Sheffield from World War Two. They were smuggled out of Germany after the fall of Berlin in 1945 and have primary and secondary targets across Sheffield clearly marked on them. They cover much of the Attercliffe, Tinsley, and Catcliffe areas – sites of the armament factories. But also large areas of the rest of the city – the city centre, Hillsborough, Owlerton, Meersbrook, Ecclesall, Heeley, Norfolk Park, Highfield, Sharrow, parts of Millhouses, and many other areas. The targets will surprise and shock you.

How many books do I get in total?

You actually get a total of five books: four stunning coffee table books (Sheffield's Date With Hitler, Forgotten Memories From A Forgotten Blitz, Defiant!, and Countdown to the Sheffield Blitz) and a bonus book, which contains details of the city's first ever air raid - a zeppelin attack in 1916 (RRP £12.00).

Tell me about the certificate of authenticity

This collection is the result of 15 years of research. Nothing comes close to it in terms of depth of knowledge and quality. There are a lot of second-rate books on the Sheffield Blitz that rely on half-truths and hearsay. Our books rise in value, and this collection is a strictly limited run. We provide a signed certificate to prove this is the authentic product and that all author signatures are genuine.

Tell me about the guided Sheffield Blitz walk

If you're interested in the story of the Sheffield Blitz, why not visit the key sites in person? We'll give you details of our free walking app that takes you around twelve key sites in the city centre. Everything from Devonshire Green – did you know this used to be a thriving community of back-to-back housing prior to the bombing? – to the Marples, site of the biggest single loss of life, with bodies still buried underneath to this day.

Book 1: Sheffield's Date With Hitler - your introduction to the attacks

This book takes the reader right back to the city's first-ever air raid – a Zeppelin attack in 1916.
It focuses on life in Sheffield as the country counted down to war in the 1930s. Preparations for the conflict signalled a booming economy for Sheffield’s steel industry – but at what cost?

The sirens, largely ignored as they rang out across the city at 7pm on December 12, 1940, were presumed to signal another false alarm. But this night was unlike any other, as 300 German planes headed straight for the Steel City. Hundreds of lives were lost, vast swathes of Sheffield were razed to the ground, and nearly a tenth of the city's population was rendered homeless in the two-night raid.

This book uncovers new evidence on the reasons for the attacks. This anniversary edition includes additional chapters and extra pages.

Book 2: Forgotten Memories From A Forgotten Blitz - the harrowing stories of survivors

This is full of the gripping stories of ordinary people caught up in the midst of unimaginable horrors. Many are the last ever recorded interviews by the last surviving generation that experienced the attacks. It includes the memories of the last living fireman who fought the fires, the stories of relief effort workers, and incredible stories of ordinary people – citizens like your parents and grandparents – caught up in extraordinary times. There are tales of heartbreak and humour, and incredible triumph over adversity as people found themselves trapped in the burning city.

Book 3: Defiant! - the Sheffield spirit that brought the city back from the brink

Hitler was determined to break the spirit of the UK population with his blitz campaign. But he hadn’t counted on the stoical nature of Sheffield. Despite thousands dead and wounded, and a city in ruins, he failed to break their spirit. In fact, Winston Churchill held up Sheffield as an example to the entire nation as they became even more determined to beat Hitler. ‘Defiant!’ was the headline in The Star in the hours following the attacks, and this book is full of rare photos and memories that signify the unbreakable Sheffield spirit of past generations.

Book 4: Countdown to Sheffield Blitz - Detailing Hitler’s relentless assault on Sheffield, climaxing with a dramatic V2 strike in 1944

This book reveals the full countdown to the attacks as Hitler’s blitz campaign started in earnest over London in September 1940. Provincial cities began to be picked off one by one as the Germans prepared for the invasion of the UK. It was only a matter of time for Sheffield – one of the biggest armament producers in the world. This book chronicles every single raid over Sheffield – the final one being a V2 rocket that landed on Christmas Eve 1944, over four years after the Blitz attacks. Rare pictures and first-hand accounts make this a gripping read. Also includes full details of the Sheffield Blitz Heritage Walk.

Author Neil Anderson explains the story behind his Sheffield Blitz collection

Customer Reviews

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Kevin Stevens
A Riveting Journey Through History!

This collection is an absolute gem for anyone fascinated by Sheffield's wartime past. The personal accounts breathe life into the pages, offering a unique perspective you won't find elsewhere. The rich photography and comprehensive research make this a must-have for both history buffs and those wanting to connect with the human side of the Sheffield Blitz.

C
Carol M
A time capsule to Sheffield's dark past

Incredible! The 'Sheffield's Date With Hitler' book is the crown jewel of this collection. But the firsthand narratives of 'Forgotten Memories' transport you to the heart of the Blitz, and provides a real emotional attachment with the survivors. The comprehensive research and vast array of historic photos ensure this collection is a true testament to Sheffield's resilience.

A
Alex Jays
Sheffield's History Comes Alive

A fantastic collection that brilliantly captures the essence of Sheffield during the Blitz. They stand out with their engaging and accessible writing style. The wealth of photographs enhances the historical narrative, making it an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about local history.

N
Neil S
Unearth Sheffield's Hidden Stories

This collection is a treasure trove for those seeking a deeper understanding of Sheffield during World War II. The book's thoughtful narratives reveal the true grit of Sheffielders, while the inclusion of personal accounts fills a void in historical storytelling. A captivating and informative read that deserves a spot on every history lover's shelf.

E
Emma T
Superb

A fantastic resource. Very well put together. My grandkids love it.

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Product FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions...

How quick will I receive my collection?

We take great care to ensure that your order is packaged and posted as soon as possible. If you place your order before 2pm on a business day, your book will be posted the same day using Royal Mail Tracked 24. This means that you should receive your package the following day. Once your package has been posted, you will receive a tracking reference number which you can use to monitor the progress of your delivery. If you have any concerns or questions about your delivery, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our customer service team at: info@dirtystopouts.com

What if I don't like my collection?

We want you to be completely happy with your purchase, so if for any reason you are not satisfied with your books, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us at info@dirtystopouts.com. We understand that sometimes you may order the wrong product or simply change your mind, and we're happy to offer a full refund on the purchase as long as the item is returned to us undamaged within 30 days of purchase. We believe that our books are of the highest quality and we want you to enjoy them as much as we do, so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns or questions about your purchase.

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In the unlikely event of your collection not arriving please contact us as soon as possible. Things do very occasionally get lost in the post and the sooner we know, the soon we can get things sorted out for you. Please email us on: info@dirtystopouts.com - we're never far away!