25 photos showing how Second World War changed Portsmouth beyond recognition
When the Second World War began, life in Portsmouth changed beyond recognition.
By Steve Deeks
Published 28th Oct 2020, 14:50 BST
Updated 25th Sep 2023, 19:05 BST
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As these historic photos show, the early months of the war meant residents had to quickly train as soldiers before departing for Europe and leaving their loved ones behind.
In our gallery you will also see young evacuees leaving the city and residents of Goodwood Road about to embark on an outing not realising that in two months time the country would be at war. You will also see some of the first areas to be hit by the air raids and the devastation of those bombs.
13. The beginning of the Second World War in Portsmouth
1940: British soldiers negotiating a barbed wire defence during a seashore invasion exercise. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: The News archive
16. The beginning of the Second World War in Portsmouth
Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's diary showing the entry for the day he declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939. Picture: Imperial War Museum/PA Wire Photo: The News archive
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