Portsmouth lockers of First World War dead which had to be cleared | Nostalgia

The Trafalgar Institute was a Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Club open to any man in uniform.

In 1916 the dining room till registered 256,178 sales representing a much larger total number of customers. 81,848 men slept in the 224 separate cabins. The bathrooms were used by 10,157 men.

There were private lockers where men could keep their belongings while on leave and also leave them locked up when at sea or abroad.

The locker room was a constant and sad reminder of the First World War as about 150 men who lost their lives had gear stored in the lockers which had to be cleared on request of next-of-kin and their possessions forwarded.

There were also reading, writing, billiard and club rooms. The premises were owned by the Institute and run on an economic basis with any profits handed over to a general fund.

The second picture here was available to buy. A 22x15in signed print cost £3s 3d. Postcards cost 1d or a shilling a dozen.

Commercial Road… with cars

A view along Commercial Road about 1960 or 1961. I say this because the Emperor of India pub is in the distance on the corner of Paradise Street. I have enlarged the photo and it likes like the pub is shrouded in scaffolding. The pub was demolished in 1961.

On the right is a branch of Halfords which was then just a cycle shop. I am not sure what Bishop Bros traded in. I am sure many will know the make and models of the vehicles. Note the trolleybus wires overhead.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​