St Mary the Virgin Church, St Marychurch
30 May 1943 · Torquay, Devon
View this record on the map →- Date
- 30 May 1943
- Record type
- Historic bombing area
- Bomb type
- HE
- Casualties
- 45
- Location
- Torquay, Devon
- Position accuracy
- Confirmed event, landmark point
What happened
A Sunday-morning tip-and-run raid by around 20 aircraft struck St Marychurch while a children's Sunday school was in progress. A bomb fell near the high altar and brought down the roof and walls, killing 21 children and three of their teachers. Torquay's deadliest day of the war: 45 people died and some 50 buildings were destroyed across the surrounding area.
Casualty note
45 killed across the St Marychurch and Hele areas, including 21 children and three teachers at the church.
Also worth knowing
A memorial in the rebuilt church names the children. The crucifix hanging in the church survived the blast and still hangs there today.