The Bath Chronicle News Item

FOND MEMORIES:
Dick Hemming and his niece Lucy three, look for the name of a relative on the new plaque.

[PICTURE: Lloyd Ellington.]

MEMORIAL TO SECOND WORLD WAR DEAD
AT LONG LAST

The fight for a permanent tribute to those who died in the Bath Blitz during the Second World War has been won after years of planning. Members of the Bath Blitz Project have unveiled a memorial plaque naming all 400 victims of the 1942 raid in Royal Victoria Park.

Mayor of Bath, Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst officiated at the ceremony, which was kept low-key with only relatives of victims and members of the group invited.

Campaigners have worked for years to get the memorial and many were disheartened when plans to erect a monument outside Abbey Church House were dropped last year.

But following advice from the Charter Trustees of Bath, the organisation which administers civic affairs, the memorial was given the go-ahead. It is made up of bronze panels big enough to show both the first names and surnames of victims.

It is now visible for all to see in the park where military memorials for victims of both world wars are already in place.

Mike Stockley, a member of the project, said: "It has taken 61 years and we feel great that it's finally happened."

"The people who have given their support have shown quite a lot of emotion about it. It really struck a chord with them. I think it is very important to them. We already have the military memorial and this finalises the whole issue - it's just for civilians."