Memorial for Metropole bombing victims to be unveiled

The memorial at the site of the former Metropole Hotel at the Lansdowne will honour those who were killed when a squadron of the Luftwaffe’s Focke Wulfs bombed the town on May 23, 1943.

It is hoped that families of some of the servicemen will be present for the unveiling, at lunchtime. An RAF aircraft will also fly over the memorial.

The bombing raid targeted many of Bournemouth’s landmark buildings, including Cairns House, West’s Cinema, the Metropole Hotel, the Central Hotel at Richmond Hill, the Shamrock and Rambler coach station at Holdenhurst Road and Beales department store. In all, 22 buildings were destroyed and 3,354 were damaged.

Estimates of the number killed that day ranged from 70 to 200, although the most likely figure is 131. They were mostly civilians and Canadian service personnel.

Former councillor Mike Everingham, who was eight years old when the bombs rained down, has campaigned for a memorial for the past six years.

He said: “I’m pleased that we have reached this stage.

“A lot of people believe that Bournemouth was a sleepy seaside town with nothing much to do with the war but Bournemouth was a garrison for lots of military personnel.

“I remember playing rounders with the American soldiers and chatting to them and getting gum from them.

“I’m delighted we are going to formally remember all those that died in this bombing raid.”

Jon Weaver, marketing and events manager for Bournemouth Tourism, said: “A commemorative plaque to remember those who lost their lives in an air raid in the town 70 years ago will be unveiled next week. Due to the location of the plaque, and the limited space for pedestrians in the area, only a certain number of special guests have been invited and there is no provision for the wider public to attend.

“We understand that local people may wish to remember those who lost their lives and we would encourage them to see the plaque at their leisure.”