I am currently researching the death of two of my relatives who were killed in Dalmain Road, Forest Hill, SE London on 11th May 1941. They were my great aunt Lilian Wheble and her 4 year old son John Patrick Wheble who lived In the street. I am currently trying to find out more detail via the local authorities but does anyone know where or how I could access any press archive that might give more detail of this incident? My understanding is that it was the last night of the original Blitz and was a particularly heavy raid. I also know that a high explosive bomb landed in the vicinity of the street. Family rumour has it that that Lilian & Patrick were found under the stairs of their house and that my great uncle, who was in the army at the time, was so devastated by what happened that he went AWOL and sent his uniform back to his back in a fish box! I'm told that understandably he was never the same man again. I know Lilian & John are on the CWG roll of honour and are possibly buried at Ladywell Cemetary in Lewisham, but finding out more about them is proving difficult. Any help or advice would be gratefully received. Thanks.
London Metropolitan Archives has some 25" to 1 Mile maps showing bomb hits in London and The British Library holds an extensive newspaper archives where you should be able to find some reports in the local newspapers of the time
Jayweeb68, What a sad story, I can see why you want to know more.I was brought up in South East London and was very aware of all the war damage still in evidence in the 1950s. Somewhere online there are some useful maps of the places bombs fell during the Blitz, you might be able to find that. I think a phone call to the local library might be useful for more info too. Also re the Ladywell Cemetery, try the local council. They will probably be able to tell you the plot numbers of the graves. I did this with Southwark Council some years ago and they provided full details of who was in a family grave, names and burial dates etc. Good Luck and do let us know how you get on.
WHEBLE, LILIAN Rank: Civilian Date of Death: 11/05/1941 Age: 26 Regiment/Service: Civilian War Dead Reporting Authority: LEWISHAM, METROPOLITAN BOROUGH Additional Information: of 52 Dalmain Road. Daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. P. Murphy; wife of J. Wheble. Died at Dalmain Road. WHEBLE, JOHN PATRICK Rank: Civilian Date of Death: 11/05/1941 Age: 4 Regiment/Service: Civilian War Dead Reporting Authority: LEWISHAM, METROPOLITAN BOROUGH Additional Information: of 52 Dalmain Road. Son of J. Wheble, and of Lillian Wheble. Died at Dalmain Road. Hello Jay contact Ladywell they will confirm plot numbers for you and provide a map if you attend the cemetery. http://www.nwkfhs.org.uk/ladywell.htm Blitz volume 1 Then and Now page 608 , states,major attack on London 10/11 May 1941.Also London was bombed 11/12 May 1941. No mention of Forest Hill though Look at link "bombsight" shows bomb near Dalmain Road but no date given but before June 1941,so the chances are it is the one that caused casualties http://bombsight.org/bombs/13283/ regards Clive
There is a mass civilian plot at Ladywell, as there is in Hither Green. Many years ago there was a book "Red Alert South East London" (I forget the author as civil defence was not an interest) but it was on sale in WH Smith in Lewisham. Reissued as a better production in the 90s but long since gone. I would suggest contacting the Local Studies section at Lewisham Library.
Sorry for the belated reply folks, but thank you for all your kind help and suggestions. In August 2014 I found out that my Great Aunt and her son were buried in Hither Green Cemetary. I was given the plot number and visited the site but it was an unmarked grave so I could only guess the approximate location. Nonetheless it was an emotional experience as I am probably the only relative who has ever visited them. I am keen to find out more about the bombing raid that killed them so i will follow up on your suggestions.
Jayweeb, Glad some of our suggestions helped. Wondered if there was a local historic society that might be able to help or publish a letter.? I know, for example that there is a Peckham Society which has a wealth of interested members with good knowledge of local history.
