A RACE to find relatives of those listed on the Meco War Memorial has been launched ahead of a poignant rededication of the landmark in its new home.
Families of Worcester-born Louis Clement Defaye, William Hulme, George William Lee, James William Perry and William George Ricketts are being asked to attend.
Organisers also hope to hear from the families of Thomas Charles Santler from Donnybrook, Malvern, Albert Edward Williams from Fernhill Heath and Doris Tindall.
The memorial (pictured) has recently been moved into St John in Bedwardine Church and will be rededicated in its new home on June 11.
On October 3, 1940 a lone German aircraft dropped bombs on the Meco Mining Company factory in Bromyard Road.
It was the only bombing raid on the city which resulted in the death of civilians. The bombs killed seven male workers ranging in age from 19 to 77, Doris Tindall lost her sight and more than 50 other staff were injured,
In 1947 a memorial plaque was unveiled and dedicated at the factory to commemorate those who had died, Doris Tindall’s name was also included.
The factory was sold to the Joy Mining Company and more recently, the Komatsu Mining Company who currently still occupy the site.
However, the factory will be closing within the next few months and the memorial needed to be moved.
Sandra Taylor from Remember the Fallen contacted the company regarding the war memorial.
“When I learnt of the factory’s closure, I wanted to ensure the memorial would remain in the local vicinity where it can still be seen,” she said.
“Following meetings, e-mails and phone calls, Komatsu allowed me to look after it until permission was granted to place it inside St John in Bedwardine Church.
“This is the closest church to the factory, so was the ideal location as the memorial’s new home.”
With a new wooden surround financed by Komatsu, the memorial was placed on the south wall of the church in April.
Due to the imminent closure of the factory the rededication date has been set for June 11 at St John in Bedwardine Church in order for any present and former staff to attend.
Families of those listed above are asked to e-mail [email protected] for more.
