On Thursday 10th October 1940, twenty four high explosive bombs were dropped on the town during two separate waves, the first at 6:44am and the second at 12:15pm. The bombs struck Stonefield Road, Milward Road, West Street, the West Hill, Priory Road, High Bank, Alfred Road and Ashburnham Road. One person was killed and two others injured.
Ethel Sutton, aged 54, was killed at her home at 45 Milward Road by one of the bombs.