Plaque honours children who died during Bath Blitz

A historian whose sister was killed in the Nazi bombing of Bath has unveiled a new plaque commemorating the children who died during air raids.

Chris Kilminster lost five family members to the Bath Blitz between 1941 and 1942 and believes it is the only plaque in south-west England that solely honours children killed in the raids.

It is reported the Nazis were intending to hit a nearby railway junction or gas works with the 500kg (1,100lb) bomb but fell short.

Mr Kilminster said: "I lost my sister Mary. I've given 55 years of my life to it."

Roseberry Road residents were in a shelter when the bomb hit, killing 28 people, of which six were children.

The plaque displays the six kid's names and ages as well as their families and siblings.

"There are various plaques in the city of Bath but nobody has ever had a plaque solely for children who died in the big Bath Blitz," Mr Kilminster said.

People donated the £300 needed to engrave the plaque and local businesses donated flowers for the service.

"Every child is on there, the youngest is four months, the oldest 16 years old," Mr Kilminster continued.

"To see it engraved on a plaque is quite emotional for people."

The unveiling was attended by Mayor of Bath Michelle O'Doherty.

"It was a very emotional service," Mr Kilminster said.

"It's a very poignant thing to do. It was so sad, at the end we had a choir singing.

"I'm 77 years old, I have done this for more years than I can remember. I've given my life to this."

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