The Marconi Memorial Plaque
Peter Turrall
On 26th April 2009 at the 6.00pm evening service in Chelmsford Cathedral, the Marconi Veterans Association will be re-erecting the brass plaque that records the names of Marconi personnel killed on 9th May 1941 when a bomb from the jettisoned bomb-load of a lone German bomber returning to base hit the New Street factory. A total of 17 people lost their lives and many more were injured.
The service in the cathedral will be conducted by the Dean and the plaque unveiled by Lady Telford, widow of Sir Robert Telford, Life President of the Marconi Company. Many relatives of those mentioned on the plaque are expected to attend.
The plaque, designed and manufactured in the factory by colleagues of those killed, was originally placed in the foyer of Marconi House. It was rescued by the MVA following the closure of the factory in July 2008 and bears the names H W Bevers, G Cousins, C V R Cutts, D E Davidson, C T Franklin, A H Griggs, H J Harvey, H F Head, A V Joslin, C E Maggs, H Pearce, B G Reed, W H Scotchman, J Smith, G F Vowles, S V White and H J Woods.
Unfortunately, the records of those killed are no longer available but the Association would like to invite relatives or friends of those who lost their lives to the re-dedication service. If you know of anybody associated with these people, please ask them to contact me, Peter Turrall on 01245 251494. All ex-Marconi employees are also invited to attend.
The large 1914-18 War memorial plaque formerly in Marconi House has been removed to the Chelmsford Industrial Museum at Sandford Mill where ultimately it will be erected.