

The main team in 1942 was made up of four men, Tom Hoare, Alfred Burden, Joe Wanstall and Tom Shaw, some of whom had served in World War I. The cathedral fire-watchers had their base in the nave roof. A memorial to the fire-watchers of Canterbury is in the flooring at the west end of the nave, dedicated in 2004. These extraordinarily brave men threw fire bombs off the roofs and extinguished them with sand and water from stirrup pumps. Throughout the war, a team of fire-watchers kept guard in the Cathedral, with further teams throughout the city. Forty-three people were killed and there was huge damage to buildings, with much of the eastern end of the high street reduced to rubble, and churches and schools destroyed or damaged beyond repair. About 130 high explosive bombs were dropped on the city, with about 3,600 fire bombs. The first of the Canterbury raids was in the early hours of 1 st June. These were bombing raids on cultural cities, identified from the Baedeker tourist guidebook, carried out in 1942 as a reprisal for the bombing by the Allies of the German cities of Lübeck and Cologne. In addition, Canterbury was one of the cities targeted by the Germans for bombing in what are termed ‘the Baedeker Raids’.

With its proximity to the continent, its ports and its airfields, the county of Kent was in the frontline of conflict during World War II. The tower itself gave comfort and strength to the citizens of Canterbury through the darkest hours of World War II, as a symbol of survival and hope. It was sounded each evening from Maundy Thursday until the end of May 2020 in remembrance of those who had died across the world each day from the virus, and in thanksgiving for health workers and supply-workers across the globe. The tower’s bell, called ‘Harry’ after Henry of Eastry, the prior between 12, brought comfort during the COVID-19 outbreak. Some 250 feet in height, it can be seen for miles outside the city. The soaring tower of Bell Harry is a wonderful sight as one approaches Canterbury. Regular giving – helping us plan for the future.
