32 incredible and rare pictures showing life in Portsmouth during World War Two

The Second World War had a devastating impact on Portsmouth, with the city being one of Germany's prime bombing targets.

Families waved goodbye to loved ones who were forced to go and fight in France while children had to be evacuated from the city as tensions rose.

In today’s gallery you can see images from 1942-1945, taken both in Portsmouth and France.

In this selection you will see, some of the roles of women during the war, the American Army leaving Hilsea Barracks for the last time, Churchill’s VE Day broadcast to the world and several great VE day party images.