Memorial Plaque Unveiled for Child Victims of Bath Blitz

A new memorial plaque, dedicated to children who perished in air raids, has been revealed by a historian whose own sister was a victim of the Nazi bombing of Bath. Chris Kilminster, who lost five relatives during the Bath Blitz between 1941 and 1942, states his belief that this is the sole plaque in south-west England exclusively dedicated to children killed in these attacks. Accounts indicate that the 500kg (1,100lb) bomb, reportedly aimed by the Nazis at a nearby railway junction or gas works, missed its intended target. Mr Kilminster stated: “I lost my sister Mary. I’ve given 55 years of my life to it.” The bomb struck while residents of Roseberry Road were in a shelter, resulting in the deaths of 28 individuals, including six children. The memorial features the names and ages of the six children, alongside details of their families and siblings. Mr. Kilminster commented: “There are various plaques in the city of Bath but nobody has ever had a plaque solely for children who died in the big Bath Blitz.” The sum of £300 required for the plaque’s engraving was contributed by individuals, and local enterprises provided flowers for the ceremony. Mr. Kilminster further added: “Every child is on there, the youngest is four months, the oldest 16 years old.” He also noted: “To see it engraved on a plaque is quite emotional for people.” Michelle O’Doherty, the Mayor of Bath, was present at the unveiling event. “It was a very emotional service,” Mr Kilminster remarked. “It’s a very poignant thing to do. It was so sad, at the end we had a choir singing.” He concluded: “I’m 77 years old, I have done this for more years than I can remember. I’ve given my life to this.”Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.