Luftwaffe changed the face of this Portsmouth street forever during Second World War

By Deborah Croker

Published 12th Oct 2021, 16:38 GMT

High Street, Old Portsmouth, was altered, almost beyond recognition, in January 1941 when the Luftwaffe attempted to wipe most of Portsmouth from the map.

They failed, of course, but this striking road was never the same again.

This wonderful shot taken from the top of the Square Tower is of High Street, Old Portsmouth, as it looked before the Luftwaffe changed it forever. In fact it was taken before the First World War. All the buildings on the left were destroyed, an area that is now part of Cathedral Green. The clock tower of the cathedral can be seen peeking over the rooftops, top left.

placeholder image — This wonderful shot taken from the top of the Square Tower is of High Street, Old Portsmouth, as it looked before the Luftwaffe changed it forever. In fact it was taken before the First World War. All the buildings on the left were destroyed, an area that is now part of Cathedral Green. The clock tower of the cathedral can be seen peeking over the rooftops, top left.

SEE MORE: 35 pictures of Portsmouth during the blitz

A message from the editor, Mark Waldron.

High Street, Old Portsmouth, after the blitz of January 10, 1941.

placeholder image — High Street, Old Portsmouth, after the blitz of January 10, 1941.

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