A memorial honouring the memory of the victims of the deadliest attack on Hertfordshire during the Second World War and the spirit that helped rebuild a community in Watford has been renovated.
Watford mayor Peter Taylor was joined by Hornets legend Luther Blissett and other dignitaries to unveil the renovated Sandringham Road Memorial in North Watford Cemetery on Saturday.
The memorial commemorates the 40 lives lost during a devastating German bomb attack in World War Two, with 12 of those killed buried within the cemetery in North Western Avenue.
The V1 flying bomb fell in the early hours of Sunday, July 30, 1944, injuring 64 other people, destroying 50 homes while 500 others were significantly damaged.
In the aftermath of the war, the resilience of residents in the area shone through as they united to rebuild Sandringham Road.
To honour the victims and the community spirit that emerged in the wake of the devastation, a communal funeral was organised for the fallen victims.
In August 1950, a memorial was erected in Sandringham Road, serving as a reminder of the sacrifice made by those who perished.
Watford Borough Council has committed to preserving the memory of this historical event through the renovation of the memorial, which was completed by the skilled team at Kenward & Son Ltd.
The renovation has also been led by the Greenhill family, organisers of a local memorial group who support its maintenance. Their involvement stems from the proximity of their own family's resting place and wanting to honour those who lost their lives. Motivated by their connection, the family worked with the council to explore ways of enhancing the memorial.
The mayor said: “The impact that the Second World War had on our town was enormous. 40 people died in the bombing of Sandringham Road, the biggest loss of life in any event during the Second World War in Hertfordshire.
“The renovation of the memorial is an important way to continue to remember those who lost their lives that day, as well as the terrific community spirit of the town when residents came together to rebuild Sandringham Road.”
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