7th July 2024, commemorates the 80th anniversary of those who died in the V-1 flying bomb attack on the EMI factory in Blyth Road, Hayes, Middlesex. As a result, a concrete shelter roof collapsed, killing thirty-seven employees, and injuring a further fifty-six.

We honour the men and women based at the EMI Factory and Hayes, whose contribution was essential to the British War effort in both civilian and military roles. We particularly remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice on that fateful day.

The following extract, written 80 years ago, was reported by EMI’s in-house magazine The Voice, with photographs taken the day following the incident.

Featured Image: The Gramophone Company Memorial, Cherry Lane Cemetery, Hayes, is both a grave marker and commemorative stone, designed by the sculptor Mr Edmund Ware and completed in June 1946. The location of the memorial can be found here Hillingdon Council website

The Gramophone Company Memorial was restored by the EMI Archive Trust in 1994 and again in 2009.