Memorial plan for WW2 bomb victims - The Worcester Observer

Memorial plan for WW2 bomb victims

Worcester Editorial 26th Jun, 2019   0

A LASTING memorial to the seven people who died in the only bombing raid on Worcester during the Second World War is being suggested for the heart of a new St John’s housing development.

Coun Richard Udall made the call for the new open space at the proposed development at Sanctuary Park to be dedicated as a ‘Park of Peace’ in memory of those who died and were injured in the Meco bombing on October 3, 1940.

No public memorial exists to mark the event.

A lone German plane bombed St John’s and killed seven people at the Meco works in Bromyard Road, injuring 50 people in a raid which saw a number of houses damaged in neighbouring streets.




Coun Udall will ask Worcester City Council colleagues to back his calls for a new park as part of the proposed Fortis Living development during a council meeting on July 16.

The Labour councillor said he hoped to win cross-party support for his ambitious proposals.


“The bombing is still remembered in St John’s and many people can still recall the events and have heard stories from parents and grandparents who both witnessed and remembered the incident,” he said.

“The new park, which is to be established adjacent to the former Meco works, would be a fitting and lasting memorial to the events of that tragic day and would act as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.

“It will be a place where children can play safely and where residents could go for quiet reflection and relaxation. I have long argued a memorial to the events of 1940 is needed in Worcester, especially in St John’s where the bombing happened.

“I can’t think of a better way to do this than to dedicate a new park for the well-being of the local community to the memory of the dead and injured,” Coun Udall added.

The current Sanctuary Park, which is unused allotment land, will be divided into two sites – one side will have 25 new houses for rent to be built by Fortis Living and the remaining land will become open space.

“I hope the new park will include a community orchard, a wild flower meadow, with poppies both red and white and an area for picnics, kicking a ball and dog walking,” he said.

“I will also be looking towards securing funding for some public art to be installed. It will hopefully be a site to be enjoyed by many future generations and will enable us to remember the darkest day in Worcester’s war-time history.

“I sincerely hope councillors from across the political divide will be able to support this motion and that we can open a new park in Worcester.”

Should he win support from fellow councillors, Coun Udall hopes the new park could be set up in time to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the bombing next year.

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