The southern parts of the UK were hit badly on Doomsday with missiles hitting Brighton, Southampton and Portsmouth, Several thousand refugees tried to make there way to the Isle of Wight believing it to be a safe haven, However many died as they failed to find seaworthy boats and tried to swim. The Isle of Wight retained some form of order in the days following Doomsday especially after the arrival of the Royal Family. The Royal Navy assisted in carrying some refugees to the Isle and it became home to the British Provincial Administration which was headed by the then deputy prime minister William Whitelaw.