Notable Bomb Sites
On Monday 30th September 1940 a lone bomber dropped a high explosive bomb near to 484 Bexhill Road, St Leonards. Henry Cook, who lived at the address, died as a result of the explosion.
This happened on the same day as a bomb exploded over Hastings Town Centre, causing the most casualties in a single day up to that point in the war.
Notable Bomb Sites
On Thursday 26th September 1940 a lone bomber dropped 14 HE bombs on Carisbrooke Road, London Road, Norman Road, Alfred Street and Silchester Road. The town suffered two attacks on this day.
Mary Backman, aged 74, was injured at Carisbrooke Road, St Leonards and died two days later. The image above shows the approximate location, based on the original bomb map featured in the publication ‘Hastings and St Leonards in the Front Line’. Two other people were killed in the raids, and several others injured.
Notable Bomb Sites
On Wednesday 25th September 1940 St Leonards was subjected to two attacks at 1:15pm and 2:20pm. Eighteen high explosive bombs and 1 oil incendiaries were dropped. Properties in King’s Road, Western Road, Royal Terrace, Magdalen Road were severely damaged. Shornden Reservoir in Alexandra Park was also hit.
Victoria Hicks was killed in the raid whilst sheltering at her home at 25 Magdalen Road. Two other people were killed in the raids, but I’m unable to find out who they were. Sixteen other people were seriously injured.
Notable Bomb Sites
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.
Amelia Wheeler was wounded near to Christ Church School and her home at 6 Tower Road. She died later that day at the Buchanan Hospital.
Notable Bomb Sites
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.
Notable Bomb Sites
On 15th August 1940, two German bombers dropped 10 high explosive bombs on Harley Shute, Maze Hill and Saxon Street in St Leonards.
Maggie May Wright was killed at her home at Briar Mead, Harley Shute and two others were injured in the incident. The image above shows the approximate location, based on the hand drawn bomb map, but it is difficult to know exactly where Maggie’s home was.
Notable Bomb Sites
On Wednesday 14th August 1940 at around 3:40pm a lone German bomber dropped six high explosive bombs on St Leonards and Hastings.
At 40 and 42 Bexleigh Avenue, a bomb killed Caroline Felton, aged 77 and James Harmer, a member of the Home Guard aged 41 as it demolished several houses. Pine Avenue was also hit. Two other people were injured. one seriously.
Service Personnel
Name: Robert Edward Wareham
Rank: Ordinary Telegraphist
Ship: HMS Sweet Briar
Parents: Mr & Mrs G R Wareham
Address: St Leonards
Additional Information: Robert Wareham died aged 18 on 9th March 1945. The inscription on his grave reads “Deep in our hearts a memory is kept of a dear son at rest. Mum and Dad.”
More information about Robert can be read on the Sussex History Forum.
If you can provide more information about this person, please comment below or contact me here.
Service Personnel
Name: James Venables
Rank: Captain
Regiment: Royal Army Pay Corps
Parents: Mr & Mrs Thomas Venables
Wife: Maude Venables
Address: St Leonards
Additional Information: James Venables died aged 59 on 8th May 1941. He was a recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal. The inscription on his grave reads “Faithful through all things to all things.”
If you can provide more information about this person, please comment below or contact me here.
Service Personnel
Name: Albert Victor Sellens
Rank: Sapper
Regiment: Royal Engineers
Address: St Leonards
Additional Information: Albert Sellens died on 31st August 1941.
More information about Robert can be read on the Sussex History Forum here. He also served in the Royal Engineers during WW1, a photograph and more information is here.
If you can provide more information about this person, please comment below or contact me here.