Jacqueline Day

…although my parents moved us to Gloucestershire when I was one. However when I was of an age to take note of trips to Pompey, it was like visiting a giant pop-up book, I was so familiar with the place names and many, many family stories. I’ve just returned from a flying visit now, and it never disappoints; my favourite walk, from the war memorial on Southsea Common to the historic docks, is always a wallow in family history.

My maternal grandparents were both in the Royal Navy. Following the loss of my grandfather’s submarine off the coast of Norway, my grandmother joined the Fleet Air Arm where she was a postal administrator.

My paternal grandfather worked in the dockyard as an iron founder during the war and later with my grandma had the tenancy of pubs in Portsmouth and on the Isle of Wight. This is one of his finest hours (to my mind) on his converted lifeboat in Langstone Harbour.

There are many theories to be found across the internet as to why Portsmouth became known as Pompey, but my favourite is that on sea charts, Portsmouth Point was abbreviated to ‘Pom P’- it just makes sense! However there is no definitive answer to the question.

The War Memorial on Southsea Common is staggering – so many names, the violent loss of so many people, all those families bereaved. My Grandfather (HMS Thistle 1940), his brother (HMS Royal Oak 1939) and his brother-in-law (HMS Hood 1941) are there with them. RIP.

All photos © Jack Day unless otherwise credited.