A poignant memorial service was held today to mark the 83rd anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz.

Bankies joined together at Kilbowie St Andrews Parish Church to remember those who lost their lives during the air raids conducted by the Luftwaffe between March 13 and March 15, 1941.

Clydebank Post: The Blitz in 1941 saw 4,000 homes completely destroyedDuring this time more than 200 German bombers attacked the town, aiming to destroy naval, shipbuilding, and munition targets which were part of the war effort.

More than 4,000 homes were completely destroyed and hundreds lost their lives.

Today’s service began at 11am and was led by Reverend Alistair Shaw.

Clydebank Post: [Left to right]: Councillor Sophie Traynor, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, Provost Douglas McAllister, Marie McNair MSP, Councillor Lauren Oxley in the Blitz Chapel[Left to right]: Councillor Sophie Traynor, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, Provost Douglas McAllister, Marie McNair MSP, Councillor Lauren Oxley in the Blitz Chapel (Image: Newsquest staff)Passages from the Bible were also read out by West Dunbartonshire’s Provost Douglas McAllister, Clydebank’s MSP Marie McNair, and West Dunbartonshire’s MP Martin Docherty-Hughes.

Also in attendance were three school pupils – Sophia McAlinn, Brooke Drummond, and Anna McAllister – who drew pictures depicting the Blitz which were printed on the order of service and hung up on the wall in the church’s Blitz Chapel.

Clydebank Post: Sophia McAlinnSophia McAlinn (Image: Newsquest staff)

Clydebank Post: Brooke DrummondBrooke Drummond (Image: Newsquest staff)

Clydebank Post: Anna McAllisterAnna McAllister (Image: Newsquest staff)

Clydebank Post: After the service, local politicians laid wreaths at the Clydebank Blitz Memorial Garden, located nearby on Graham Street.

Clydebank Post: Provost Douglas McAllister, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, and Marie McNair laid a wreath at the Clydebank Blitz Memorial Garden after the serviceProvost Douglas McAllister, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP, and Marie McNair laid a wreath at the Clydebank Blitz Memorial Garden after the service (Image: Newsquest staff)

Clydebank Post:

Clydebank Post:

Clydebank Post: Kilbowie St Andrews is home to one of Scotland’s only Blitz memorials.

The Blitz Chapel was established within the building by the congregation in 1997 as part of the church’s centenary celebrations.

Clydebank Post: Sophia, Brooke, and Anna's drawings on display in the Blitz ChapelSophia, Brooke, and Anna's drawings on display in the Blitz Chapel (Image: Newsquest staff)A commemoration service will also take place this weekend at Old Dalnottar Cemetery.

It will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 11am. Afterwards, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony at the Polish Memorial at Solidarity Plaza across from Clydebank Town Hall.

This will begin at 11.30am.

For further information visit West Dunbartonshire Council’s website HERE.