Brooklands Museum to remember 88 killed in 1940 air raid
26 August 2020
Brooklands Museum are holding a memorial service in remembrance of the 88 civilians killed at Brooklands in a German Air Raid who were manufacturing Wellington Bombers and Hawker Hurricanes for the Battle of Britain.
On Wednesday 4th September 1940 at precisely 1324hrs, the Vickers aircraft factory at Brooklands was bombed by the German Luftwaffe.
The attack which lasted three minutes was considered at the time the most devastating raid on any aircraft factory in Britain and claimed almost 90 lives with over 400 injured.
The unexpected attack came as many workers were enjoying their lunch outside or queuing up to clock-in for their afternoon shift, in a workshop that was directly hit. Workers at the Vickers Factory were accustomed to the sound of aircraft overhead and as such the air-raid siren was tragically not sounded in time.
The service, led by The Bishop of Guildford will take place next Friday 4th September; 80 years since the famous Vickers Armstrong and Hawker factories were directly hit by the German Luftwaffe.
Friends and relatives of those killed will be invited to take a minute’s silence following the roll call of names at 1324hrs, the time of the bombing.
The Museum is commemorating this anniversary with the opening of the new Air Raid Shelter Walkthrough Experience which features the images and voices of the men and women who survived the attack. The new exhibit has been funded by BAE Systems, formally British Aerospace Corporation including Vickers Armstrong.
The Brooklands Air Raid Shelter along with Brooklands motor racing circuit, the remains of the pre-World War II aerodrome, World War II Bofors tower, and the Brooklands memorial, are Scheduled Monuments with Historic England.
Do you know anyone who was involved in the attack or is a living friend or relative of someone who was?
Although we can only have limited numbers in attendance on-site, due to current restrictions, we are keen to share the ceremony with as many relatives of those that were lost as possible. If you, or anyone you know, lost a relative during the 1940 Air Raid get in touch with us by emailing contact details to [email protected]
