Tuesday, September 07, 2010

We will remember them

Today exactly 70 years ago the sustained bombing of Britain by the Germans, also callled the Blitz, began in London. Between 7 September 1940 and 10 May 1941 almost 43,000 civilians in the UK were killed and more than a million houses were destroyed or damaged in London alone. Lots of other important cities in the United Kingdom were also bombed but Oxford was spared. Hitler wanted Oxford to be his capital once he had captured Britain and bombing that city wouldn't be a smart choice. Who knows what would have been left of this city today if he hadn't made that choice? I guess Oxford has been "lucky", unlike the people who got killed and their loved ones. I think it's a good thing that we don't forget these people, we will remember them through stories, memorial stones and other items such as this cushion that can be used when you're praying on a kneeler in a church. This one can be found in the St. Mary Magdalene Church in Woodstock (I know that's not within 5 km of Carfax Tower but I think the photo is special enough to post it today, forgive me for that).

1 comment:

Annie (Lady M) x said...

I love it when you write about the history behind your photos...it totally adds another dimension, and brings the photos to life!