Portsmouth power station workers who kept lights on during war | Nostalgia

John A Dean, of Havant, saw the photographs of the power station I published last week and sent me this photograph of some of the men who worked the turbines.
By Bob Hind
Published 16th Mar 2020, 16:23 GMT
Updated 16th Mar 2020, 16:23 GMT
Some of the employees at Portsmouth power station, about the late 1950s. Picture: John A Dean.Some of the employees at Portsmouth power station, about the late 1950s. Picture: John A Dean.
Some of the employees at Portsmouth power station, about the late 1950s. Picture: John A Dean.

It shows the men who kept the power on in Portsmouth after the Second World War and up to its closure for most of them. Most if not all had worked right the way through the war to keep Portsmouth on the grid.

John’s dad is Jack Dean in the centre of photo in bib and braces. He has his arm around his mate Bill Berkinshaw's shoulder. To the right of Jack as we look is Bill Isaacs.

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John can remember visiting the power station as a young lad to watch his dad at work.

A helicopter prepares to take off with copies of The Evening News, but was it the Portsmouth or London version? Picture:: Ken RimellA helicopter prepares to take off with copies of The Evening News, but was it the Portsmouth or London version? Picture:: Ken Rimell
A helicopter prepares to take off with copies of The Evening News, but was it the Portsmouth or London version? Picture:: Ken Rimell

Does anyone recognise the other men in the group?

• Jane Riddiford sent me the photograph of the helicopter which was taken by former News photographer Ken Rimell.

What would be interesting to know is if the helicopter was carrying this Evening News or the London Evening News?

• On February 6, 1941, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited the city to survey bomb damage. In later life the then Queen Mother remarked of the city ‘Ah, dear Portsmouth.'

On February 6, 1941, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Portsmouth. Picture: Pat Daly collection.On February 6, 1941, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Portsmouth. Picture: Pat Daly collection.
On February 6, 1941, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Portsmouth. Picture: Pat Daly collection.
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• Remember when a dinner dance meant a good night out with a meal and dancing to a live band?

People used to look forward to dressing up in their best suits and frocks, even dinner suits like the man here. He could be the late Terry-Thomas don’t you think?

Unfortunately, some people think nothing of turning up at such functions today without a tie and in jeans. This picture was taken in 1950 at Rowlands Castle Golf Club’s annual dinner-dance.

Related topics:PortsmouthHavantPeopleJack Dean

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