Today marks 85 years since Belfast endured the third German Luftwaffe air raid in the early hours of 5 May 1941.

East Belfast was heavily hit in the fire raid, including Campbell College, which had been requisitioned by the War Office and was operating as No. 24 General Hospital.

The Senior School had been evacuated to the Northern Counties Hotel in Portrush, whilst the Preparatory school at Cabin Hill remained in situ.

During the raid, the College was struck by multiple incendiary bombs. One struck the southwest wing of the main building, above what is now Front of House, and others fell in the grounds, destroying a number of Nissen Huts. Tragically there were a number of causalities.

These photographs (One, two and three) from the Imperial War Museum Collection, taken on 7 May 1941 by War Office photographer Lt Bainbridge, show some of the damage.

Click here to view the Campbell College War Record on our Digital Archive, which details the story of the College during the war period, and includes a Roll of Service and Roll of Honour to Campbellians who served.

Although Front of House was repaired and reinstated following the bombing, the process of maintaining and preserving these historic buildings continues today.

This familiar corner of the College forms part of the fourth phase of a multi-million-pound heritage restoration project, due to be completed later this year. Important preservation work like this is not possible without the generous support of our Campbell community.

If you would like to help us, please click here - any donation amount is appreciated.