About this collection
Midland Bank (now HSBC UK) faced its darkest hours during the aerial bombing that was launched over the UK during the Second World War. Over six years there were 1,351 reports of damage to 600 branches, and 31 instances of total destruction. More than 25 employees lost their lives during air raids, either at home or at work. The bank continued to serve its customers, almost without interruption, thanks to efficient pre-war planning and the extraordinary resilience of staff. Explore these photographs to see the devastating impact of the bombing.