On Tuesday 10th September 1940 at 5:30pm nine high explosive bombs were dropped across St Leonard’s at Hollington Park, The Green, Sedlescombe Road South, Tower Road West, St Peter’s Road, Cloudsley Road, Woodland Vale Road and Christchurch School. Around 30 incendiary bombs were also dropped during the raid, setting several roof fires which were quickly brought under control by the Fire Service.
Florence Cornwall was badly injured near her home at 35 St Peter’s Road and died later that day at the Buchanan Hospital.