Filton Air Raid 25th September 1940

Discussion in 'United Kingdom' started by CL1, Jul 24, 2010.

  1. Gran

    Gran Junior Member

    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
     
  2. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

    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
     
  3. wtid45

    wtid45 Very Senior Member

    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
     
  4. Gran

    Gran Junior Member

    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
     
  5. bishopston

    bishopston Junior Member

    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.
     
  6. bishopston

    bishopston Junior Member

    Derek is buried with his Mother in Canford cemetery.
     
    wtid45 likes this.
  7. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

  8. Medic7922

    Medic7922 Senior Member

  9. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

  10. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

  11. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

  12. CL1

    CL1 116th LAA and 92nd (Loyals) LAA,Royal Artillery

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