We delved into the archives to find these images of locals going on with daily life despite the ever-present threat of German bombs.
They cleaned up after air raids, went about their daily lives and smiled through adversity.
Take a look at these reminders of South Tyneside – and the wider North East – through the wartime years.
5. Hard at work
A worker does some cleaning up to keep this air raid shelter spotless in 1941. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: SE
6. Keeping the spirits up
Gracie Fields gets a fantastic response on a visit to the area in 1941. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: SE
7. The show went on
On May 24, 1943, a German 500kg bomb fell on Dean Road, causing damage to the cinema and houses nearby. But the Regent was repaired and continued to entertain the South Tyneside public. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Shields Gazette
8. The bombs fell on Derby Street
Surveying the ruins from an air raid on Derby Street in 1941, but locals still went on with their business. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Shields Gazette