The Clydebank Blitz: Glasgow Under Fire, March 1941

The Clydebank Blitz of March 1941 was one of the most devastating air raids on Scotland during the Second World War. Over two nights, German bombers targeted the shipyards and industrial works along the River Clyde. Of the 12,000 houses in Clydebank, only seven remained undamaged. Over 500 people were killed and more than 600 seriously injured. The raid destroyed or damaged virtually every building in the town. The shipyards were the primary target, as they were producing warships vital to the Royal Navy. John Brown's yard alone had built HMS Hood, Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth, and was building new capital ships. Despite the devastation, the people of Clydebank showed remarkable resilience. The shipyards were back in production within days, and the community pulled together to house and feed those who had lost everything. Today, veterans like Jean Fraser, who operated searchlights during the raids, remind us of the courage of ordinary people during extraordinary times.