Has anyone heard the story of the 14 year old messenger Derrick Belfall? I have the story in a book by John Penny "Bristol's Civil Defence During World War Two" what a hero that boy was. I hope he had some postumus award. Gran
hello Gran a bit here about the lad Papers Past — Evening Post — 6 Whiringa-ā-rangi 1941 — SCOUTS OF BRITAIN Scouting Heros Minute In World War II England, 14 year old Derek Belfall lived in Bristol which was often subjected to air raids from Germany. Being too young to join the service, Derek volunteered to be a messenger delivering critical communications between defense offices. During one night's raid, at the height of the bombing, Derek was dispatched with a message. He delivered it successfully. While returning to his post, he found a house beginning to burn from the incendiary bombs so he stopped to put out the fire. Traveling on, he heard cries from another house, rushed in, and saved an injured baby. Riding a bit farther, an exploding bomb wounded Derek and he was taken to the hospital. As they laid him on the bed, he murmured, 'Messenger Belfall reporting. I have delivered my message', and then he died. regards Clive
I wonder where he is buried, In Memory of Civilian DERRICK CECIL BELFALL Civilian War Dead who died age 14 on 02 December 1940 A.R.P. Messenger. Son of Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Belfall, of 109 Bishop Road, Bishopston. Injured at Bridwell Police Station; died same day at Bristol Royal Infirmary. Remembered with honour BRISTOL, COUNTY BOROUGH
Has anyone seen the overseas cemeteries of the fallen soldiers, how well they are kept, and by contrast the cemeteries in Bristol, which are a disgrace, for instance Arnos Vale, and Greenbank where there are a lot of war fallen. Are they still going to build houses on Arnos Vale? I would not buy one!!! Gran
I lived next door to Derek Belfall's parents and sadly he never received any award though he certainly deserved one for his selfless bravery. I have an illuminated text reading 'I have delivered my message' with his photograph in my possession as he only had one sister who did not have any children. His mother turned white overnight whilst his parents looked for him until they learnt the terrible truth.
25th September 1940: Raid on Gloucestershire kills 92 I have just spent the morning watching football in the grounds next to the old Filton airworks, and sadly had no idea the significants of today
http://fishponds.org.uk/bristolmem.html http://ww2today.com/25th-september-1940-raid-on-gloucestershire-kills-92
http://www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/History/bristolrecordsociety/publications/bha095.pdf Air raid on aircraft factories Bristol During World War Two
Remembering Filton : the air raid targeting the Bristol Aeroplane Company (BAC) Factory at Filton, 25th September 1940