Muzz
23-02-2009, 22:33
Hitler's Favourite Brit Resort? Blackpool
9 hours 28 mins ago
SkyNews Sky News
Blackpool was off-limits to the Luftwaffe during World War Two because Hitler wanted the seaside town as a "playground", uncovered documents reportedly reveal. Skip related content
Related photos / videos
Hitler's Favourite Brit Resort? Blackpool
The Fuhrer apparently wanted to hoist the Nazi flag up Blackpool Tower and base the headquarters for his paratroopers there.
Uncovered intelligence maps reportedly reveal Hitler's intention to spare the Lancashire resort during his planned invasion of Great Britain.
York-based publisher Michael Cole brought the documents back from Germany about a year ago, he said.
The papers go toward explaining why the resort escaped unscathed during the Blitz - especially considering there were major British aircraft manufacturing factories situated there.
"These maps will be the source of much interest particularly to those who lived here through the Second World War," said Elaine Smith, chairman of Blackpool's Civic Trust.
"It had been known that Hitler intended to use Blackpool as his personal playground after what he hoped to be a successful invasion and the war ended.
"He probably wanted to keep the resort as it was so he could enjoy it as Chancellor of Britain."
The maps also detail the Nazi leader's invasion plans - which included marching soldiers along the coastline.
The Italian Gardens in Stanley Park was to be used as a guide for paratroopers because the paths formed a perfect compass.
9 hours 28 mins ago
SkyNews Sky News
Blackpool was off-limits to the Luftwaffe during World War Two because Hitler wanted the seaside town as a "playground", uncovered documents reportedly reveal. Skip related content
Related photos / videos
Hitler's Favourite Brit Resort? Blackpool
The Fuhrer apparently wanted to hoist the Nazi flag up Blackpool Tower and base the headquarters for his paratroopers there.
Uncovered intelligence maps reportedly reveal Hitler's intention to spare the Lancashire resort during his planned invasion of Great Britain.
York-based publisher Michael Cole brought the documents back from Germany about a year ago, he said.
The papers go toward explaining why the resort escaped unscathed during the Blitz - especially considering there were major British aircraft manufacturing factories situated there.
"These maps will be the source of much interest particularly to those who lived here through the Second World War," said Elaine Smith, chairman of Blackpool's Civic Trust.
"It had been known that Hitler intended to use Blackpool as his personal playground after what he hoped to be a successful invasion and the war ended.
"He probably wanted to keep the resort as it was so he could enjoy it as Chancellor of Britain."
The maps also detail the Nazi leader's invasion plans - which included marching soldiers along the coastline.
The Italian Gardens in Stanley Park was to be used as a guide for paratroopers because the paths formed a perfect compass.