I no longer live in Worcester but like to read the Worcester News articles.
I saw your description of the lone bomber dropping bombs on the Meco Works on October 3, 1940, in the Worcester News published October 5, 2024.
My father often told me of the day he thought he was going to die.
He was driving along the Bromyard Road coming home for lunch when he saw the low-flying bomber release a bomb right in front of his car.
He thought that when it hits the ground he would be a goner.
It hit the ground but didn’t explode.
It skimmed along the tarmac and he thought when it hits the perimeter fence he’s a goner but the bomb bashed through the fence and across the tarmac towards the Meco building.
Again he thought he was a goner when it hit the building but to his surprise the bomb bashed through the cladding of the building.
And a split second later there was a huge explosion and the roof of the building appeared to lift then settle back down.
He quickly drove through Boughton Avenue to his home at Newland Crescent.
On entering the house he found my mother and her sister sheltering under the stairs.
He said: “We’re not staying here to be bombed. Quickly get in the car.”
As they were getting into the car the bomber had come around for the second time and flew over the golf course lining up for its second approach.
My dad said the plane was so low and close they could see the pilot.
Of course at this time they didn’t know it was a lone plane and expected many more to come over the area shortly.
They all went to The Fox at Bransford for a drink to steady their nerves before returning home wondering if their house would still be habitable.
Fortunately, my father had a reserved occupation and was able to run a car throughout the war.
Indeed my mother often said she had the best time of her life during the war years as every night was a Saturday night with parties and dancing going on.
There were always servicemen on leave and apparently it got even better when the Americans came.
They were flush with money and would buy my young, pretty mother drinks but that’s another story.
If the bomb had gone off on impact l wouldn’t have been born!
I hope you find this recollection interesting.
My father and mother had very interesting lives and were very sociable so often told people of their life experiences.
Robin Williams
Chippenham