Air Raid Centenary Commemoration in Poplar

On 13th June 1917 at 11:40 am, Upper North Street School was hit by a bomb in the first daylight air-raid by a Gotha bomber and 18 children, aged between 5 and 12 years old were killed. The terrible tragedy had long lasting effects on the British public as well as devastating an entire community.
On 15th June 2017, a service was held at Mayflower School as it is known today was held in the presence of HM the Queen and HRH the Duke of Edinburgh to mark the centenary of the raid. It was attended by children and teachers who survived the raid, as well as 216 relatives of the children who died, the latter coming from all over the UK and as far afield as New Zealand, the US and Canada. Children from Poplar primary schools are also in attendance.
Among the faith representatives, Bishop Nicholas Hudson led a representation of Catholic priests, teachers and pupils. Following the memorial service, the congregation processed to Poplar Recreation Ground, to the angel statue, erected by public subscription on 23rd June 1919, where tributes were paid to the 18 children.