The Nazi’s forgotten victims have been commemorated with a giant quilt made by staff, pupils and teachers at Waldegrave School.

Just under 1400 blocks of fabric, consisting of two red crosses, have been submitted for the 70,273 Project, in remembrance of the 70,273 people executed for being disabled.

The two red crosses, stitched into five quilts, represent the mark made by Nazi doctors when condemning those with mental and physical disabilities.

Waldegrave Sixth Form student Gabby Chester, 17, from Twickenham, said: “We have studied the Second World War in history, but I have to admit I was not aware of what happened to the thousands of disabled people under the Nazis.

“What is striking is the short space of time in which so many people were killed.”

Physically and mentally disabled people were murdered by the Nazis between January 1940 and August 1941 in the Aktion T4 Programme.

Quilts from around the UK are being exhibited at major cathedrals around the UK later this month to mark Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27.

The Waldegrave quilts will be on display in the nave of Rochester Cathedral from January 19 and then in Rochester Guildhall until the middle of March.

They will then continue on a World tour where they will be displayed in countries across the globe as part of the international project.

Nicole Davies, Head of Design & Technology at Waldegrave School, said: “This project has really caught the imagination of the whole school community.

“Thanks to the support of pupils, teachers and parents, we have managed to exceed our original target of creating 1000 blocks.

“I am extremely proud of the manner in which our students have responded.

“This project has helped them understand a bit more about this largely unrecognised atrocity.

“In this project the red cross marks love and strength.”

“Seeing the crosses stitched together sends a powerful message of tolerance, community and love.”

Students from Teddington School and the Richmond upon Thames School have also participated in the project.