This huge crater was made in Harleston Road Wymering. It threw up tons of chalk dust making the surrounding area look as if it had been hit by a snowstorm. One of the kids looking over the fence on the top right is my mum who lived a few doors away in Washbrook Road.

Below: a photo of the same house taken from half way up Portsdown Hill in 2003.

Nellie Coleman (my auntie) standing in the garden of Washbrook Road, Wymering. The chalk dust raised by the explosion described above is everywhere. The mound in the background is the family's Anderson shelter.

Top of Portsdown January 1942. All traffic comes to a standstill due to the icy conditions.

The Dockyard 18th Battalion Home Guard on exercise at Farlington, June 1942.

Cosham 1942. Air Training Corps cadets are instructed in the use of the Aldis Lamp.

1942. A Valentine tank on exercise on Portsdown. 

A Valentine tank at the Bovington tank museum.

1944. Training for the forthcoming invasion of Europe takes place in Paulsgrove Chalk Pit.