Names of civilians who died in wartime Kenilworth have been added to memorial

The names of the civilians who died in wartime Kenilworth have been added to the memorial at Abbey End - just as the town marks the 80th anniversary of a significant moment in their history.

Local historian Robin leach has spent many years trying to get the names added and his hard work has finally paid off.

in 1940, Kenilworth suffered a series of events during World War II that killed a number of civilians.

The most notable of these was a landmine explosion on November 21 in the town, with the Globe Hotel taking the worse of the attack.

In a cruel irony, the 30 people killed or injured had come from Coventry to escape the bombing there.

Mr Leach said: "I have for a long time believed that the names of civilians who died in Kenilworth, most notably in the land mine explosion at Abbey End, should be displayed on a public memorial in the same way as the servicemen.

"An accurate account of that month's events is also added.

"My sincere thanks to those that made this happen: the members of the current town council and those at Warwick District Council, who is responsible for the stone."

On Thursday November 7, shrapnel fell to ground at 7 Arthur Street just as Sarah Collett opened her front door. Sarah was the first person to die in Kenilworth in the conflict.

At 7pm on November 14, the most devastating raid on Coventry started. Over 500 aircraft in several waves flew over Kenilworth towards their target. The anti-aircraft guns were again in action and Gladys Lawrence, 27, at 14 Hyde Road became the second to die in Kenilworth from the effects of local anti-aircraft fire.

Then a week later, the landmine explosion (mention above) happened which killed and injured 30 people.

Mr Leach added: "As the anniversaries of November 7, 14 and 21 approach, please take a few moments to pause and remember the events that shaped that part of modern Kenilworth, and of course, the lives that were lost."