Common ploughed up to help feed wartime Britain

Now, here's a rare picture which, if the like were done today, would bring the people of Portsmouth on to the streets in protest.
FURROWS A flock of seagulls follows the plough as Southsea Common is turned over to growing food in the Second World War 			   Picture: The Barry Cox CollectionFURROWS A flock of seagulls follows the plough as Southsea Common is turned over to growing food in the Second World War 			   Picture: The Barry Cox Collection
FURROWS A flock of seagulls follows the plough as Southsea Common is turned over to growing food in the Second World War Picture: The Barry Cox Collection

But, of course, the decision to plough Southsea Common was taken in extreme circumstances – it was all part of the Dig For Victory campaign in the Second World War when every spare and fertile scrap of land was brought into production to feed the nation.

Behind the tractor on the left is the Queen’s Hotel while to the right you can see the spire of St Jude’s Church, Southsea.