Preparations to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz have been scaled back by West Dunbartonshire’s cultural committee following an overlap in celebration plans.
The local authority had been planning to host a remembrance service on Sunday, March 13 in Our Holy Redeemer's Church in Clydebank but decided not to proceed in view of the news that the St Andrew’s Church intended to hold a service the same day and had already asked Baillie Dennis Agnew to speak.
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The service will also see commemorative music “Clydebank 41” performed by the RSNO from their CD.
The Clydebank Blitz was a pair of air raids conducted by the Luftwaffe on the shipbuilding and munition-making town in March 1941 which killed 528 people according to official records.
During the most recent cultural committee it was decided that a presentation of the commemorative medals should not be held but instead hand delivered to the recipients along with a letter from the provost.
The council has now agreed to spend £3250 for 250 copies of Clydebank author Tom McKendrick’s book on the Clydebank Blitz - higher than the originally estimated cost.
Members also agreed that a plaque to commemorate the bombing of Dumbarton during World War II should be laid in a suitable location within the grounds of the Municipal Buildings.
Baillie Agnew said: “The 80th anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz is so important and we should try and draw a conclusion to everything while survivors are still with us.
“[Author] Tom McKendrick said he would be writing a book specifically about the Clydebank Blitz which would coincide with his exhibition.
“He has researched the Blitz and is part of the legacy of Clydebank and the town, which is a significant point.”
