Very first V1 flying bomb hit a Southampton house in 1944

Three lives were taken in this attack, but it was only a mere taste of what Hitler's so-called "secret weapon" had to offer.

Throughout 1944, more and more landed on Southampton causing destruction and death.

Read more: The Fat Boy of Peckham in Southampton >>>

Brian Martin could remember how one raid on Sholing alone destroyed twelve houses and killed his beloved budgie while he was sheltering with his brother Raymond and mother Gladys.

On that day, Southampton bore witness to Germany's might - something that would remain embedded in their memories forever.

Writing about his experiences in 2004, Brian said: "We heard the strange misfiring sound of the bomb coming over. Suddenly it went silent, then there was a massive explosion which destroyed our house and about a dozen others in the road.

"The bomb fell in an orchard 1.8m from the shelter. I think we were saved by a blast wall outside the shelter door built by our grandfather the day before.

"After we were dug out we were amazed to see the house roof at such a strange angle. The bath was in an apple tree and several small fires were burning.

"Luckily no one lost their life except our budgie."

The houses were rebuilt after the war and the Martins moved back to the same spot.