July 1944 Archives - WW2 Roll Of Honour

Spring Cottage, Westfield

15th May 2022
by WW2RollofHonour

On 3rd July 1944 a V1 Flying Bomb struck near to Spring Cottage, Westfield. The bomb was likely to have been intercepted by a British Fighter plane, whose job it was to bring the bombs down before they reached major population areas. The thinking being that it was better to limit the casualties these powerful bombs could cause.

Spring Cottage was badly damaged by the explosion, and 23 year old Doris Linch, six months pregnant, was buried under the rubble. She died the next day. According to this article, her brothers attended to her grave at Westfield Church until they passed. It is still maintained today.

Civilian

Linch, Doris Margaret

25th April 20205th July 2021
by WW2RollofHonour

Name: Margaret Doris Linch

Died on: Tuesday, 4th July 1944

Died at: Spring Cottage, Westfield

Additional Information: Margaret Linch, aged 23, was wounded when a V1 Rocket impacted near to Spring Cottage in Westfield. Margaret died the next day at Buchanan Hospital. She was the only casualty.

Margaret was the daughter of Mr & Mrs E Taylor of Sedlescombe and married to Alfred George Linch. She lived at Spring Cottage and is buried at Westfield Church cemetery.

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Civilian

Barnes, Ethel Maria

18th April 2020
by WW2RollofHonour

Name: Ethel Maria Barnes

Died on: Sunday, July 16th 1944

Died at: Shear Barn Farm, Barley Lane, Hastings

Additional Information: Ethel Barnes, aged 48, was killed when a V1 Rocket hit Shear Barn Farm at Barley Lane, Hastings. She was the only casualty.

Ethel was the daughter of William George Barnes.

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Civilian

Thompsett, Martha May

18th April 2020
by WW2RollofHonour

Name: Martha May Thompsett

Died on: Sunday, July 16th 1944

Died at: Old Church Road, Hollington Old Lane, St Leonards

Additional Information: Martha Thompsett, aged 48, was killed when a V1 Rocket hit Old Church Road, Hollington, St Leonards. Two others were killed with 47 others injured, 12 seriously..

Martha was married to Frederick Spencer Thompsett, who also died. They lived at 21 Old Church Road. The inscription on the grave stone reads “A sudden change at God’s command they fell. They had no chance to bid their friends farewell.”

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Civilian

Thompsett, Frederick Spencer

16th April 202018th April 2020
by WW2RollofHonour

Name: Frederick Spencer Thompsett

Died on: Sunday, July 16th 1944

Died at: Old Church Road, Hollington Old Lane, St Leonards

Additional Information: Frederick Thompsett, aged 50, was killed when a V1 Rocket hit Old Church Road, Hollington, St Leonards. Two others were killed with 47 others injured, 12 seriously..

Frederick was married to Martha May Thompsett, who also died. They lived at 21 Old Church Road. The inscription on the grave stone reads “A sudden change at God’s command they fell. They had no chance to bid their friends farewell.”

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Civilian

Colbran, Henry William

13th April 2020
by WW2RollofHonour

Name: Henry William Colbran

Died on: Sunday, July 16th 1944

Died at: Old Church Road, Hollington Old Lane, St Leonards

Additional Information: Henry Colbran, aged 43, was killed when a V1 Rocket hit Old Church Road, Hollington, St Leonards. Two others were killed with 47 others injured, 12 seriously..

Henry was married to F A Colbran and lived at 25 Old Church Road.

I was unable to locate Henry’s grave marker in the main area of WW2 war graves, so he is likely buried else where on site. I will look to find it when I revisit Hastings Cemetery.

If you can provide more information about this person, please comment below or contact me here.