Service to commemorate St Paul’s Church bombing
Tony Richards, standing by the memorial plaque to those who died when St Paul's church was bombed 70 years ago in Barking - Credit: Archant
Do you remember the bombing of St Paul’s Church, which was hit by a V2 in 1945?
Historian Tony Richards is inviting survivors and those who recall the incident to a commemoration ceremony next year.
The service, to be held on the former church’s site, which is now Ripple Hall, will be held on January 14 at 12pm, the date and time when the bomb hit.
The bomb, which fell as worshippers were leaving a service, saw eight people killed and 52 injured.
“Survivors have interesting stories to tell, like the 11-year-old boy, Gordon Randel, who missed his usual place in the choir on the fateful day because his mother had not washed his surplice in time,” said Tony.
“His best friend, who always sat next to him, died.”
Tony has been working with Lisa Flannery, the events manager for Barking and Dagenham Council for Voluntary Service, to track down as many people as possible. Some have said they find the memory too traumatic to be able to attend the service.
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In addition to MPs, councillors, the Bishop of Barking and the Marquess of Salisbury, an invitation to the service has been extended to those from Barking Methodist Church, which was destroyed on the same day in a separate incident, with many deaths and injuries.
If you, a friend or a family remember remember the bombing, you can call Tony on 020 8594 1299.
