On Sunday 29th April, the 70th anniversary of the Baedeker air raid on York was commemorated with a Service of Remembrance, Peace and Reconciliation in the Church of St. Martin le Grand, Coney Street, York. During the Baedeker air raid, on the night of the 29th April 1942, more than hundred citizens lost their lives and many others were injured. Along with the nearby Guildhall, St. Martin le Grand church itself was badly destroyed during the raid.
During the Remebrance Service, the community of St Martin's Church, received a 'Cross of Nails' from the worldwide Community of the Cross of Nails, which is a network of churches and Christian organisations who, inspired by the story of Coventry Cathedral, which was also destroyed by bombs during World War 2, share a common commitment to work and pray for peace, justice and reconciliation.
Presenting the Cross of Nails to the secretary of the St Martin's Church Council, Monica Lawrence, is the Precentor of Coventry Cathedral, the Rev'd Canon Dr David Stone. Looking on is the Rev'd Jane Nattrass, Priest-in-Charge at St. Martin's. Photograph by Derek Ralphs