February 18th 1941

A fatefull and for some a tragic day. At 3.10pm on Tuesday 18th February 1941, Newmarket was bombed by a German Dornier aircraft causing the deaths of 27 people and injuring 248. The reason for this act has never been officially confirmed but there was a high level military meeting taking place at the Memorial Hall on the day. The Memorial Hall was not directly hit although it was damaged by shrapnel and direct gunfire, evidence can still be seen on the front facade.
Below are a few images showing some of the damage that what caused.
Thanks to Newmarket Local History Society for allowing me access to the original photos taken at the time.
For a detailed and fascinating account of this event read Newmarket Local History Society's excellent publication 'One Afternoon in February' ISBN 0-9540049-0-6 which sadly is out of print at this time, but Newmarket library does hold copies and I believe there are plans to re-vamp the publication in the near future.

***** PASS THE MOUSE OVER THE IMAGES TO SEE *****
******** EXAMPLES OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED *********

Thing-Me-Bobs was the Post Office
This was the result of the fifth bomb to fall.

Rustons & Lloyds Solicitors was Proctors the Fruiterer & Florist

White Hart and the High Street

White Hart closer.