In the war
Portslade in the war - defending the front line
The Second World War over Sussex may not have had the drama of the blitz on London and the major industrial cities of the Midlands and the North. However, to the residents of Portslade it was just as stressful and the outcome as uncertain as anywhere else in Britain. In fact, given the 'frontline' position of Sussex, it can be argued that the threat of invasion had a greater impact on its residents than in other parts
Especially scary were the daylight ‘tip and run’ attacks, when enemy aircraft would fly in low, dropping bombs and machine gun people in the streets. The beaches were no-go areas for most people. Barbed wire defences stood between the sea and the promenades, and heavy artillery lined our seafronts. The Home Guard were prepared for invasion too. They had been trained in unarmed combat and booby trap techniques. In the event of a breach of our coastline, it would be their job to ambush the invading forces.
Portslade saw plenty of wartime action, with the Gas Works at the Harbour basin being frequently targeted by enemy bombing raids in the 1940s. Coal stores were wrecked, but there was no loss of life and production was able to continue.
The Village Brewery’s impressive height made it the perfect spot to site an anti-aircraft gun and air raid siren. It was certainly a hub of wartime activity, manufacturing shells and bullets, and housing both the Army and Portslade Home Guard.
The local church of St Nicolas played a role in the war. The Vicar would leave its door open for twelve hours a day for anyone needing shelter during an air raid. Wartime romances meant it was also the venue for several marriages between Portslade women and overseas soldiers and airmen.
In common with communities all over the country, the end of the war was celebrated in style in Portslade with street parties bringing neighbours together to celebrate. Once a year on Remembrance Sunday a service is held at the Easthill Park War Memorial to remember locals who died serving their country.
By Stephanie O'Neill
We hope you enjoyed the trail and the brief insight it gave to the history of Portslade Old Village.
There are many books and other websites that give a very in-depth history of Portslade. We would suggest Judy Middleton's excellent:
Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission
We believe the importance of heritage cannot be overestimated. In Brighton and Hove heritage
forms the city’s cultural identity and informs a sizeable part of the cultural life of our city to this day. Heritage is a tangible link to our history and few people would come to Brighton and Hove if they did not also think it a special city and worth coming to visit.
Brighton and Hove museums
Three museums to visit, one historic home and a royal palace
The Keep Archives, Falmer
The Brighton & Hove Regency Society
The National Archives
