Unlike nearby Coventry and Nuneaton, Rugby was highly fortunate to avoid German bombing during the Second World War. This is perhaps somewhat surprising given the town's strategic importance as a railway junction and engineering centre. A few stray bombs landed on Dunchurch and some meant for the English Electric works caused damage to housing at New Bilton, but no other significant bomb damage occurred in the area. According to local legend, a reason why Rugby was not bombed substantially by the Germans during the war was because Unity Mitford, a close friend of Hitler was staying at Hillmorton.