Help us identify war-torn Bristol

Where in Bristol did the Americans film?

Frenchay Hospital was handed over to the Americans, who had joined World War II after Pearl Harbor, in 1942.

Those stationed at the military hospital treated casualties at the Bristol hospital, which they extended to specialise in many types of surgery.

Film footage shot by the soldiers shows the staff at work and play, but also includes a drive through the Blitz-ravaged Bristol city centre.

We need your help to identify the buildings and locations in the film.

Do you recognise the church which has been ripped apart during the bombing, or the spires in the distance?

What about the shops or the buildings near Bristol Bridge?

Send us your suggestions using the form below and we will share them on this page.

If you have photographs or film of Bristol during this era which we can publish, please let us know on the same form.

Permission to use this footage was kindly granted by Frenchay Hospital.

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I think the church was Temple Church in Redcliffe. The tower still leans. Around the church was a square called Chatterton Square which was also bombed. My mother was fourteen at the time and came back from Broadmead during the bombing raid to find her house destroyed.
Helen, Bristol

I'm pretty sure the second one is Cabot Circus and the last one is the M32.
Jamie, Bristol

Some of the films, were Bristol Bridge, Bristol City Centre, and the Portway. I am unsure as to the others.
Barbara, Bristol

Identified all of the seven scenes. They are:

1 Castle Street
2 Wine St/Corn Street
3 St Peters Church
4 Bristol Bridge - noted no railings
5 College Green, right hand side of Park Street, going up
6 Centre looking towards E, U and V Sheds
7 Hotwells
Eddie, Henleaze

As Bristolians we lost our proudest of English cities on Sunday 24th November 1940.

Most of the old Castle Street (shopping centre) went that night.

The film shows Castle Street which only hours before was busy with shoppers. The church is St. Mary-le-Port with the bombed ruins of Baker Bakers and Jones's and other large shops much loved but now wiped out, the spires in the distance are of All Hallows, All Saints Christchurch, just out of camera shot is St. Nicholas on Bristol Bridge. The Scholastic, and the Margreate's Bank Hotel again ruins around the Bridge.
Roger, Yate

The first scene was, I believe, shot along the north side of Peter Street, opposite St Peter's church in Castle Park. Where you see a car turning into Peter Street is the Peter Street/Dolphin Street junction. Dolphin Street was a very short street which began at the top of Union Street and led down to Peter Street and Bridge Street. In the foreground is St Mary le Port Street.
Mark, Bracknell

It was shot in Castle Green, city centre & Hotwells Road.
Guy, Bristol

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