At 11.15am on September 3, 1939, as people across Glasgow sat down to read their morning papers over a cup of tea, Neville Chamberlain changed the course of history forever with a single announcement.
Speaking to the nation over BBC Radio the Prime Minister uttered the unforgettable words “this country is at war with Germany”.
It was confirmation of the nation's worst fear as the Mr Chamberlain announced that the British deadline for the withdrawal of German troops from Poland had expired.
The French had also issued an ultimatum after the Nazi invasion of Poland two days previously and agreed to join forces with Britain to fight against Germany and its campaign of terror across Europe.
Addressing the nation live from 10 Downing Street, Chamberlain spoke of his sadness that “the long struggle to win peace” had failed. But not even he could predict the six years of bloodshed, loss and devastation that would follow.
Pictures from our archives, marking the 82nd anniversary of Britain declaring war against Germany, preserve a snapshot of history and reveal how Glaswegians came to terms with living life during unimaginable conflict.
The images, which include photos of the Clydebank Blitz, as well as the celebrations in the streets as soldiers returned home, are incredible shots that play out the history of the city as it happened.
It was the most destructive global conflict within written history, with millions of lives lost throughout the world - including here in Glasgow.
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Those six years had a devastating impact here in Glasgow, not least for Clydebank and those who lived and worked along the Clydeside.
Following the announcement, Glasgow children were quickly ushered on to trains, torn apart from their families and evacuated to the countryside.
Those who did stay were subjected to bomb training, walking hand in hand down a street in matching outfits, with matching gas masks, as the fear of German gas attacks gripped the population.
The city saw the erection of air raid shelters which would become familiar sight to so many, and witnessed the horror of the Clydebank Blitz .
Finally, in 1945 the city could breathe a sigh of relief as celebrations marking the end of the Second World War, took over the streets of Glasgow.
What may fascinate most is a glimpse back at streets and neighbourhoods we know so well, at once recognisable and yet so far removed from the Glasgow we know today.
If you can shed any more light on our archive photos, from faces to street names, then please get in touch on Facebook and Twitter.
