Christchurch, Swansea’s Garrison Church - 8 Bomb Disposal, Royal Engineers Memorial
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| Christchurch, Swansea’s Garrison Church |
During the Three Night Blitz, 19th to 21st February 1941, seven members of the 8 Bomb Disposal, Royal Engineers were to lose their lives at Castle Street, Swansea during the night of 20th/21st February.
The men were working on a bomb at Castle Street when it was
practically uncovered that it was discovered that the bomb had been fitted with
a Type 50 anti-disturbance fuse. The
bomb could be made safe by either dealing with the fuse or removing the
explosive filling, which was done by steam sterilisation. The filing plate could be removed or a hole
drilled on the side, and a jet steam inserted, which would melt the cast and
explosives inside.
Major J. B. James, Officer in Charge of the Company wrote in
his report regarding the incident “Sterilisation was completed at 13.30 hrs,
by Headquarters sterilisation staff, Staff Sergeant Munford in charge. At 16.25 the steam was turned off, S/Sgt
Munford informed Lieutenant W. D. Rees O.C 103 Bomb Disposal Section that the
explosive filling had been steamed out to below fuse chambers level. He
recommended bringing the bomb out of the hole and finishing the steaming in the
back street. Lt Rees realized a second or lower fuse had still to be exposed.
Which could be a No 17 Clockwork delay fuse? He was informed by S/Sgt Munford
that they had checked using a stethoscope and there was no sound of ticking.
Therefore, it was decided to lift the bomb clear of the hole. A clamp was
attached to the filling end of the bomb, and a rope was attached between
it and a lorry. Instructions were given for everybody to take cover. When this
was done the order to pull was given. Sergeant Finney countered this order as
he saw that the rope was slipping, he secured the rope on the lorry. Major
James once again gave the order to commence pulling. He was watching the bomb
when it exploded. He felt the blast and got under the lorry as debris was
falling. When he came out, he saw a body on the ground on the far side of the
lorry, when he checked he found five others. He believes they came out of cover
when the rope slipped and due to where he was standing, he did not see them.
Staff Sergeant T. Munford, Lance Sergeant T. Henderson, Corporals J. Holder, J.
Salisbury, Lance Corporal J. Johnstone, Sapper W. Craig, and Driver R. Simpson
were killed in the blast. S/Sgt Munford was due to go to London to receive his
commission, he was only on-site as he had relieved a comrade. Sapper Harry
Vallance recalls that his section was meant to be on this task, however, as
they had been bust the other section volunteered. Sapper Vallance and section
were working on another bomb at the prison when the other one exploded; they
rushed to the scene but could do nothing, except identify their comrades. Lt
Rees and Sgt Finney both suffered shock and punctured eardrums and were
hospitalised for a considerable period”
The seven men are commemorated on a memorial plaque at
Christchurch, Swansea’s Garrison Church. I am grateful to Gary Williams, who
has allowed me to use his photo in this blog.
So, using both the 1921 Census and 1939 Register will establish where these men came from.
Thomas Alexander Munford
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| Thomas Alexander Munford Efford Cemetery, Plymouth credit - findagrave |
At the time of the 1921 Census, 13-year-old Thomas resides
at his parents’ home, 191 Beaumont Road, Plymouth. Thomas is recorded to have been born in
Scotland.
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| 1921 Census |
Alfred his father, who is 48, runs a Fish & Chip Shop, along with his wife, Mary Francis, 42, and their elder daughter, Edith, 13.
Alfred is recorded to have been born in Somerset, whilst
Mary is in Kent. Edith is recorded
to have been born in Cork, Ireland.
The younger children, Arthur, 11, is recorded to have been
born in Queenstown, Ireland whilst both Kathleen, 10; and 5-year-old Verdun are
recorded to have been born in Plymouth.
The reason behind why the different places, is that Alfred
had previously served with the Royal Engineers.
Thomas was married in 1930 at Alverstoke, Hampshire to
Gladys E. Huntingdon.
There is no record of Thomas on the 1939 Register.
Thomas Richard Henderson
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| Thomas Richard Henderson Quinton Cemetery, Warley, Birmingham credit - findagrave |
At the time of the 1921 Census, 3-year-old Thomas resides at
his parents’ home, 5 Harborne Terrace, Stour Street, Birmingham.
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| 1921 Census |
All the family were born locally in Birmingham. Thomas Richard, his father, 33, is a Brass
Carter, who is unemployed, whilst Ellen, 29 undertakes home duties. Their children are Ellen, 12; Lilian May, 9;
Elizabeth, 7; Thomas R., 3 and 6-month-old Henry.
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| Thomas Richard Henderson and Winifred Rosa Taaffe marriage certificate Parish church |
Thomas married in 1936 at the Parish church to Winifred Rosa Taaffe.
Jack Albert Holder
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| Jack Albert Holder The Downs Cemetery, Brighton credit - findagrave |
There sadly doesn’t appear to 1921 census record for Jack.
John George Salisbury
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| John George Salisbury Agecroft Cemetery, Salford credit - findagrabve |
At the time of the 1921 Census, 4-year-old John resides at
his parents’ home, 74 Slater Street, Salford.
1921 Census
All the family are Lancashire born. Joseph, 42, is a Carter but unemployed. Mary Elizabeth, 47, undertakes the home
duties. Their children are Joseph, 21,
Carter unemployed; Mary Elizabeth, 16, Doubler in Cotton Mill unemployed; Lucy,
14, Cotton Reeler; George, 12; James Henry, 7; John, 4 and 1-year-old Frank.
John married in 1939 at Heywood, Lancashire to Hilda
Geoghegan.
James Fox Johnstone
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| James Fox Johnstone Leslie Cemetery, Fifeshire credit - finagrave |
Sadly, there are no census returns for James.
William Craig
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| William Craig St. John’s Westgate and Elswick Cemetery, Newcastle-on-Tyne credit - findagrave |
At the time of the 1921 Census, 2-year-old William is
residing at his parents’ home, 3 Peel Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
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| 1921 Census |
All the family are born locally at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Alfred, 37, is employed as a labourer in the Shipyard. Ethel, 28. Their Children are Thomas, 8;
Alfred, 4 and 2-year-old William.
Roland William Guy Simpson
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| Roland William Guy Simpson Cannock Cemetery, Staffordshire credit - findagrave |
At the time of the 1921 Census, 1-year-old Roland is
residing at his parents’ home, 23 Church Street, Canncok.
1921 Census
27-year-old Charles William is employed as a Fitter
(Engine), whilst his wife, Sarah Elizabeth, 30 has her account with Crockery
and Fancy Dealer, whilst also undertaking the household duties. Roland currently is their only child. Also present on the night of the census is
their servant, 15-year-old, Annie Adeline Gregory.
The memorial in the church records Roland’s surname as spelt
Sampson.
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