Portsmouth Blitz Notebook Entries
In 1941 during the height of the Blitz, John Welch was an 18 year old corporal serving at Hilsea barracks in Portsmouth.
Shown below is his notebook entry for 10th January 1941, on that night, German bombers heavily targeted Portsmouth due to its strategic importance as a naval base and dockyard. The attack lasted several hours, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Many civilian areas, including homes, schools, and public buildings, were hit, resulting in significant casualties.
Some of the notable impacts of the raid include:
- Destruction of the Guildhall: Portsmouth's Guildhall, a significant civic building, was severely damaged during this raid. The roof was destroyed, and much of the structure had to be rebuilt after the war.
- Extensive Civilian Damage: Many homes and public facilities were destroyed, leaving hundreds of people homeless. The bombings also caused widespread fires throughout the city, which were difficult to control due to the intensity of the attack.
- Casualties: The raid on January 10, 1941, resulted in the deaths of around 171 people, with many more injured. Thousands were left homeless, and the city's infrastructure was heavily impacted.
This raid was part of a series of attacks on Portsmouth, but the January 10th bombing is remembered as one of the most destructive, contributing to the lasting scars the Blitz left on the city.
The documents and picture displayed are courtesy of Penelope Welch, his daughter. Thank you.
The hand written text reads as follows:-
In raid on 10th Jan, all buildings in Palmerston, Kings Rd, Commercial Rd, High Street etc were gutted. (1)
Guildhall, churches and hospital were among buildings destroyed. (2)
The first bomb hit power house and put all lights out for the next 60 hours.
The fires were burning till Sunday morning.
Many buildings in Fratton were also destroyed, Clarence Pier destroyed.
The printed text at the foot of the pages reads as follows:-
Footnote left hand page:- Have not thy cloak to make when it begins to rain.
Footnote right hand page:- Pay as you go. If you can't pay-don't go.
Notes:-
1. On the 10th January 1941, 171 people were killed and 430 injured in the air raid on Portsmouth.
2. The Guildhall was hit by incendiary bombs and burned to a shell, it was not reopened until 1959 after extensive rebuilding.
3. In total the Blitz attacks on Portsmouth destroyed 30 churches, 8 schools, 1 hospital and over 80, 000 homes. 930 people were killed and 1,216 people were injured.