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Biggest British female service personnel loss commemorated

Discussion in 'WWII Today' started by GRW, May 14, 2023.

  1. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    "Events have been held around the UK to mark the 80th anniversary of the biggest loss of life of British servicewomen in World War Two.
    The 26 women were killed in a bombing raid at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, on 11 May 1943. Only one woman survived.
    Eric Beckett, 87, who saw the moment the building collapsed, said: "That so many had died shocked us."
    The Women's Royal Army Corps (WRAC) Association held commemorations in the hometowns of each servicewoman.
    It was the first coordinated event to remember and honour the victims, only half of whom have been remembered on war memorials in their home towns.
    Paula Rogers, CEO of the WRAC Association, said: "The WRAC Association charity continues to work in honour of our servicewomen, alive and deceased, ensuring that none are forgotten."
    The women, mostly in their early 20s and from towns across the UK, were killed when German fighter bombers attacked their quarters in Great Yarmouth's North Drive.
    They served in the Auxiliary Territoiral Service (ATS), and lived in a building which housed ATS signallers, part of the 103rd AA Brigade".
    www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-65574563
     

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