Over 600 civilians died in Southampton in air raids during the Second World War and over 900 buildings were destroyed. Find out more about Southampton's War here and the preparations for D-Day.

Outbreak and the early days

Discover what happened to Southampton during the outbreak of war and the evacuation of children in the early days.

Civil defence

This section looks at the civil defence of Southampton, the active and passive measures that were taken to protect the city and its citizens.

Southampton's Blitz

Discover in this section how Southampton was changed forever by the Blitz and what happened during the worst weekend in the city's history.

The port

Southampton's port and docks despite suffering damage from air raids managed to survive and take a major role in supplying the troops abroad and prepare for D Day.

Operation Overlord and D-Day

Find out about the scale of preperations for Operation Overlord in Southampton and what was achieved at the port in the months before and after D-Day

Americans in Southampton

Over two million American troops left for Europe from Southampton during the Second World War. Find out how they were received in Southampton. What was the reaction to streets and whole areas of the city being requisitioned for their use? What were the tensions?

The end of the War

Victory in Europe was declared on 8th May 1945. Find out here about where you can still see evidence of the impact of the War.

Partner sites: