[an error occurred while processing this directive]
BBC News
watch One-Minute World News
Blitz fire-watchers commemorated
Canterbury Cathedral
A bomb fell within 8 ft of the Bell Harry Tower during the Blitz
A plaque is being unveiled at Canterbury Cathedral in memory of those who risked their lives to fire-watch during the Blitz.

During World War II men sat on the cathedral roof to make sure incendiary devices did not set it alight.

Some 10,000 devices were dropped on the city and lives were lost during two air raids on Canterbury in 1942.

The cathedral survived unscathed, although 16 high explosive bombs were dropped in its precincts.

Cathedral spokesman Christopher Robinson said the cathedral owes its existence to the fire-watchers.

If the fire-watchers had not of got on top of those then the building would have burnt down
Christopher Robinson

Mr Robinson said luckily the cathedral was not hit by high explosive bombs but incendiary devices, which are designed to cause fires, were a threat.

He said: "There were 16 high explosive bombs that fell on the precinct but fortunately none fell onto the cathedral itself.

"Apparently one bomb came as close as 8 ft of the Bell Harry Tower but lots of the incendiary devices did fall on the building.

"If the fire-watchers had not of got on top of those then the building could have burnt down.

"Sadly the library was destroyed and glass was blown out of windows but nothing of major importance was effected."

The plaque was unveiled on Monday.

Blitz spirit at 1948 Olympics
12 Feb 03  |  England


The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites


Americas Africa Europe Middle East South Asia Asia Pacific