25 photos showing how Second World War changed Portsmouth beyond recognition

When the Second World War began, life in Portsmouth changed beyond recognition.

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.

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Most of the area in Portsmouth destroyed in air raids has now been rebuilt, but the memories of the devastating war still remain.

More photos from this collection can be found on our new Facebook group Portsmouth Retro – you can join here.

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21. The beginning of the Second World War in Portsmouth

The young lady surrounded by officers and the mayor is actress Anna Neagle. She was attending a fete at the R.A.O.C. Barracks at Hilsea in September 1941. Miss Neagle was the star of many films more well known as Queen Victoria in Victoria the Great 1937 and Sixty Glorious Years 1938. She also appeared as Nurse Edith Cavel, 1939. Dame Anna Neagle at the R.A.O.C. Barracks in September 1941. Photo: The News archive

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22. The beginning of the Second World War in Portsmouth

Ruination at Portsmouth Harbour Station. Taken from Southern Way-Wartime Southern here we see a burnt out carriage at the Portsmouth Harbour Station after a raid on August 12, 1940. The roof supports have been painted black and white for better sightseeing in the blackout. In this raid four trains were destroyed and the Isle of Wight landing stage was gutted. One man was killed. Photo: The News archive