There was much secrecy surrounding what went on in ports during wartime. For instance, the true extent of damage from air raids was not revealed. This was partly to deny the enemy information on the success of their raids. However, aerial reconnaissance [definition] the next day readily gave this information. Secrecy was also for fear that the morale of the population might suffer. This led to resentment in some of the damaged ports. Because their suffering had not been reported, people felt it had not been recognised.

Soldiers examine a camouflaged German aircraft

There was also secrecy regarding movements of ships and cargo. This now seems unrealistic. All German spies in the UK were rounded up on the outbreak of war. Even if the Germans got to know that a particular ship was carrying vital supplies, it was almost impossible for a submarine to recognise it and single it out for attack in an Atlantic convoy. Perhaps the value of enforcing secrecy was that it reminded people of the threats. Certainly these were very real in 1940 and 1941.

Enemy action

Ports and convoys

Civilian morale

Secrecy