Horror photos capture devastation in Portsmouth during Blitz as city marks 85th anniversary

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.

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.

Take a look through our gallery to see what the city looked like in the aftermath of the Blitz. After you’ve had a look through all the pictures why not visit some of our other popular retro galleries:

32 reminders of how Havant Road has changed over the years | 20 memories of the sailors of Royal Navy's HMS Excellent | 17 great photos of kitesurfing at Hayling Island over the years