ANNUAL memorial services are to be held in the coming days for the lives lost in the Clydebank Blitz.

As well as a service of commemoration at the Blitz Memorial in Old Dalnottar Cemetery at the weekend, there will be an interdenominational remembrance service in the Blitz Chapel of Kilbowie St Andrew’s Parish Church on March 13.

The 11am service marks the anniversary of the start of two nights of bombings of Clydebank, on March 13 and 14, 1941, that left 528 men, women and children dead, 617 seriously injured, and tens of thousands homeless.

Jack Tasker, who is helping organise the church event, was aged seven in Dalmuir’s Scott Street, when the Blitz happened. He said he counts himself lucky that nobody in his family was killed those two nights – but has always asked “why”.

He told the Post: “That’s something you would never forget. I felt guilty that for years nobody had any names of who was killed. I felt that was wrong and so I set up the blitz chapel in the church.

“We took the decision that rather than a list of names, we put them in a book in relation to where they were actually killed so they’re listed with the people who died there.

“And we found out who they were, not just a name, so we would have a living, social history.”

The book will be opened for the service and there will be a chance for a cuppa after so survivors or family members can share memories.

On Saturday, March 10 a service will be held at 11am at the Blitz Memorial in Old Dalnottar Cemetery, led by Reverend Margaret Yule of Kilbowie St Andrew’s and Radnor Park Churches, and Canon Gerry Tartaglia of St Margaret’s and Our Holy Redeemer Parishes.

After the service, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the Polish Memorial at Solidarity Plaza, opposite Clydebank Town Hall, at approximately 11.30am. Light refreshments will be available thereafter in the reception hall of the town hall.

There is no designated parking at Old Dalnottar Cemetery but cars can drive into the site and park alongside the pathways with care being taken to avoid the grass.

Additional parking is available on Miller Street opposite the town hall, on Dumbarton Road or nearby side streets. Guests should enter the town Hall via Hall Street where they will be met by council staff.