Rank Flour Mill stood on Northern Road off Duncrue Street in the heart of Belfast's Docks. It was one of many industrial premises in the city to sustain heavy damage during the Luftwaffe's raids on the city.
On the night of 7th-8th April 1941, the Luftwaffe attacked Belfast for the first time. In what became known as The Docks Raid, they dropped high explosive bombs, parachute mines, and incendiary devices across the city. The area suffered greatly and there was a great amount of damage caused to the Rank Flour Mill.