By David Brough – Chair Hayes Town Partnership

At 3pm on Sunday 7 July 2024, local residents gathered at Cherry Lane Cemetery, Hayes, to mark the 80th anniversary of the exact moment a German V-1 flying bomb fell on what was then known as the Gramophone Company factory in Blyth Road, killing 37 people It was the worst loss of life in Hayes during the Second World War.

At the event, the Mayor of Hillingdon, Councillor Colleen Sullivan read an account of what happened on that fateful day and Reverend Canon Andy Thompson gave bible readings and a prayer. A wreath was laid by the Mayoress, Anne Robinson at the EMI memorial shown in the picture. Two minutes of silence were observed in memory of those who had died and a lone piper, Pipe Sergeant Gerald Griffin of The London Irish Rifles, played “Abide with me”. It was a very moving experience for all those present.

The members of the public in attendance included people whose families had been affected at the time. Local MP John McDonnell and several Hayes Town and Pinkwell Ward Councillors were also present. Read the full article by David Brough in Hayes Town Partnership here. Hayes Town News – Remembering the loss of innocent lives