It is unfortunate that because of coronavirus restrictions normal commemoration ceremonies did not take place to mark the 80th anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz on March 13 and 14.

I have however managed to secure a members debate in the Scottish Parliament, taking place today (Wednesday), which will ensure that the anniversary event is recognised and recorded for future generations.

It is hard to imagine the horror of these two March nights in 1941 when 1,000 German bombs were dropped on the town. With 528 people killed, 617 seriously injured and many more wounded, it was the most devastating attack on civilians in Scottish history.

As a result of the blitzkrieg 99 per cent of Clydebank’s houses were destroyed and 35,000 people were made homeless.

The emergency services, although facing what appeared overwhelming and impossible circumstances, were courageous and determined in their rescue efforts. It is testament to their bravery that although German bombs dropped continuously for nine hours, the rescue effort never wavered.

Stories of the bravery of the public trying to put the fires out and rescuing their neighbours are legend, and the stoic resilience in the aftermath by the population has to be admired.

When you consider that the rebuilding of Clydebank took years, and many people had to survive in appalling conditions, with food shortages, travelling many miles every day to work, you understand how important the community spirit was, and still is, in the town.

Thinking about the whole event in 1941, it reinforces the idea that war is so cruel and destructive, and casualties are so random that this Blitz event was merely indiscriminate killing of civilians.

For those of you who do not know the story of Solidarity Plaza in the centre of Clydebank, it was built after the Second World War to commemorate the bravery of the Polish Navy. The crew of Polish destroyer ORP Piorun, which was undergoing a refit at the John Brown shipyard at the time of the raids, voluntarily engaged the Luftwaffe to try and draw the Blitz fire from the German bombers away from the town. It was a great act of courage, which the townsfolk recognised and pay tribute and homage without fail every year.

Since I will be standing down from the Scottish Parliament at the next election in a few weeks’ time, it was a very special honour indeed to lay a wreath to commemorate the Blitz – and at the same time pay respects on behalf of the people of Clydebank at Solidarity Plaza in gratitude to the Polish Navy.