Service to remember victims of the Blitz

A service of remembrance will mark 75 years since the first bombs landed on Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals during the Blitz.

The service, which will take place on 10 September, is open for all to attend, particularly local people who were born during the second world war, or whose relatives were treated at Guy’s or St Thomas’ during the war.

Despite large amounts of bomb damage, both Guy’s Hospital and St Thomas’ Hospital remained open throughout the war, treating casualties from across London. Incredibly, no patients were killed by the bombing of the hospitals, but 10 members of staff lost their lives at St Thomas’.

Sir Hugh Taylor, Chairman of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, says: “The Blitz was a significant period in the history of Guy’s and St Thomas’, and the history of London. Staff at the hospitals did their best for their patients in terrible conditions, sometimes even sterilising their equipment on Primus stoves so that they could work in the converted basement wards when the hot water wasn’t running.

“The first bombs hit the hospitals on 8 and 9 September 1940. Now, 75 years on, we will remember the doctors, nurses and physiotherapists who died at St Thomas’ during the Blitz.

“We are eager to hear from people who have memories or stories about our hospitals during the war, and for them to join us as we remember the sacrifice of the staff who lost their lives.”                                                   

The service will take place from 12.30-12.45pm on Thursday 10 September in the gardens outside St Thomas’ Hospital, opposite the Houses of Parliament. If you are interested in attending the service, you can turn up on the day, or contact the chaplaincy team, [email protected] or 020 7188 5588.