Services took place across Portsmouth on Saturday, January 10 to commemorate the anniversary of the most severe blitz raids to hit Portsmouth in the Second World War. 
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Services took place across Portsmouth on Saturday, January 10 to commemorate the anniversary of the most severe blitz raids to hit Portsmouth in the Second World War. | Sam Stephenson

41 poignant pictures of the emotional WWII Blitz commemorations marking 85 years since devastating Portsmouth raid in 1941

Emotional and poignant services took place in Portsmouth yesterday to commemorate the devastating first Blitz raid in the city.

Guildhall Square played host to a service at the Second World War Memorial before a Service of Remembrance took place at the Royal Garrison Church on Saturday, January 10.

It marked the German bombing attack on the night of January 10 and 11 1941, the most severe of the Blitz raids which took place over four years. It killed more than 170 people, and severely damaged landmarks and large areas of the city including Portsea, Landport, and Southsea.

At the first service at Guildhall Square a plaque was unveiled dedicated to Jean Louth, who campaigned for 27 years to have the monument established to ensure the names of those from Portsmouth who lost their lives during the attacks are never forgotten. A number of her family members were in attendance, including her daughter Jackie Frith, who helped to unveil the plaque.

The second event at the Garrison Church in Penny Street saw English Heritage and The Pompey Pals Charity join for a special partnership event marking the anniversary with a 15 minute service, followed by a two‑minute silence.

Here are 41 pictures of the poignant event:

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