Source: City of Portsmouth
As 2025 marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War, The D-Day Story in Portsmouth is launching a new project to record the memories of those who lived and worked in the city during this pivotal time in history.
With the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day on Thursday 8 May and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on Friday 15 August, The D-Day Story is seeking to gather personal accounts from individuals who experienced life in wartime Portsmouth. These recollections will contribute to a valuable archive ensuring that future generations understand and appreciate the impact of the war on the city and its people.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibility for culture, said:
“The anniversary of the end of that conflict is an opportunity to reflect on the many impacts of the wartime years, which forever changed the city and the lives of its residents. This project is a chance for people to have their memories and experiences recorded for posterity, so these stories are not lost.”
The D-Day Story, in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Libraries & Archive, will be filming interviews to preserve these narratives for future generations. The interviews will take place on selected dates in May at The D-Day Story at Clarence Esplanade, Southsea, and at Cosham Library.
Do you have memories or stories of Portsmouth during the Second World War? Do you have any photographs you would be willing to share?
For an initial discussion, please call the museum on 023 9288 2555 and ask about the “Memories Project.” For more information on The D-Day Story, visit theddaystory.com.