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Council marks 85th Anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz

Clydebank Blitz Old Dalnottar

Published 14 March 2026

West Dunbartonshire Council came together this weekend to remember those affected by the Clydebank Blitz on the 85th anniversary of the World War II attack.

The Blitz, which took place over two days on 13 and 14 of March 1941, is widely considered the most brutal strike of the war.  As well as hundreds of residents losing their lives, thousands more were left homeless when their homes were destroyed.

 

Earlier today, Provost Karen Murray Conaghan was joined by Council Chief Executive Peter Hessett, as well as elected members, Lord Lieutenant Jill Young and representatives from the Polish Institute of National Remembrance (IPN) and Polish Sue organisations including Vice President Karol Polejowski, and Agnieszks Jedrzak, Presidential Undersecretary of State for the President of the Republic of Poland at the events.

 

Communal grave for Clydebank Blitz at Dalnottar Cemetary

The group gathered to remember those who lost their lives as well as those whose lives were forever changed by the attack, paying their respects on behalf of the Council at a service at Old Dalnottar Cemetery before laying wreaths at the communal grave.

 

They later unveiled a new plaque honouring the crew of Polish warship, ORP Piorun, which was installed in partnership with IPN and Polish Sue to highlight the bravery of Polish sailors during the Blitz.

Provost Karen Murray Conaghan at the unveiling of a new plaque honouring sailors from the Piorun war ship

 

Wreaths were also laid at Solidarity Plaza in Clydebank, before the official opening of the Trails of Hope: An Odyssey of Freedom exhibition in Clydebank Town Hall.

 

Provost Murray Conaghan said: “Eighty‑five years on, we come together as a community to honour the people of Clydebank who lived through the devastation of the Blitz and to remember those who were lost during those terrible nights in March 1941.

 

“Their courage, resilience, and unshakeable spirit continue to shape the identity of Clydebank today. By gathering together to remember them, we pay tribute not only to the past, but also to the strength and solidarity that define our town.

 

“By doing this, we ensure that their stories are never forgotten and that future generations understand the sacrifices that helped build the community spirit we are so well-known for.”

 

Speaking about the Piorun, she added: “I am delighted to have supported IPN and Polish Sue to install a further plaque honouring the crew of Polish war ship, Piorun. The bravery of the sailors from that ship must be commended as their actions helped prevent the total obliteration of Clydebank.”

 

The Trails of Hope exhibition will be available to view in Clydebank Town Hall until 27 March.