We delved into the Echo archives to find 17 images of Wearside going on with daily life despite the ever-present threat of German bombs.
They cleaned up after air raids, built air raid shelters, learned how to use gas masks, went about their daily lives and smiled through adversity.
Read More... Take a look at 17 reminders of Sunderland and County Durham in 1940.
5. Leaving their hometown Here are some older children saying goodbye to Sunderland as they get on the train at Monkwearmouth Station to be evacuated. Photo: Sunderland Echo
6. Facing evacuation These Sunderland schoolchildren faced being separated from their families under the wartime evacuation scheme. But they put on a brave face as they headed to their new homes. Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Working in the shipyards Working in the shipyards of Sunderland to keep the war effort going. Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Working together to clear the debris A team of people came together to remove this road block in October 1940. Photo: SE