85th anniversary of devastating Blitz raid in Portsmouth to be commemorated at a special event this weekend
The 85th anniversary of a devastating first Blitz raid in Portsmouth is set to be commemorated at a special event this weekend.
A Service of Remembrance is taking part at the Royal Garrison Church on Saturday morning (January 10) at 11.45am after a commemorative service at the Second World War Memorial in Guildhall Square which starts at 10.15am.
The German bombing attack on the night of January 10 and 11 1941 was the most severe of the Blitz raids which took place over four years. The attack killed more than 170 people, and severely damaged landmarks large areas of the city including Portsea, Landport, and Southsea.
The first service on Saturday will be led by The Venerable Bob White, and include readings and a two‑minute silence to remember all those affected by the January 1941 bombings.
There will be a selection of readings and poems, alongside a plaque unveiling 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.
The second event at the Garrison Church in Penny Street sees English Heritage and The Pompey Pals Charity join for a special partnership event marking the anniversary with the 15 minute service, followed by a two‑minute silence at midday.
Residents and visitors are also invited to visit the Royal Garrison Church for free on both Saturday and Sunday (January 10 and 11) between 11am and 4pm to find out more.
A number of events have also been organised by English Heritage and The Pompey Pals Charity to mark the 85th anniversary of the Blitz.
- Historical displays and talks exploring Portsmouth’s military heritage – from the First World War to the present day.
- Re‑enactors representing periods from the Victorian era through to the Second World War.
- Exhibitions from Pompey Pals, information on the Bombing of Portsmouth, the 85th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Hood, and materials from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
- Performances of period songs by The Fine Voice Chorus, with additional music from The Hampshire Caledonian Pipe Band.
- Support and information from Veterans Outreach Support and Veterans Service Hub, highlighting services available to the local veteran community.
During the second world war, 930 people were killed by bombing in Portsmouth, and 1,216 were hospitalised. Around 20 per cent of the city’s houses were also destroyed or badly damaged.