Raymond Cowlishaw (17)

Nottingham’s heaviest loss of life at a single location during May 9th 1941’s air raid occurred within the Co-op Bakery on Meadow Lane where 49 night shift workers perished. The bakery was hit twice; one bomb caused tons of flour stored on upper floors to crash down to ground level. A second device penetrated the bakery’s air raid shelter roof before exploding amongst the assembled work force. Rescue efforts were impeded by blazing fat. For an excellent account of this incident, see David Needham, Battle of the Flames, Nottingham’s Fight for Survival in WWII (2nd Ed. Chesterfield: Banister Publications Ltd, 2020 p.p. 141-142. First Ed. Horizon Press, 2009).

Nottingham Evening Post, Deaths, Saturday May 24th 1941: COWLISHAW – In May due to enemy action. Raymond, dearly loved son of Sid and Emma, also dear friend Eric. In God’s keeping. Sorrowing mam and dad, bothers and sister. Nottingham Evening Post 29/5/1941, Acknowledgements: Mr and Mrs Cowlishaw of 47, Mundella Road wish to thank all friends, relatives and neighbours for their kindness and floral tributes in their sad bereavement, also the directors and staff of the NCS. Nottingham Evening Post, 9/5/1942, Page 2, In Memoriam: COWLISHAW – In loving memory of our dear son Raymond, killed by enemy action, May 9th 1941. In memory’s garden we meet every day. – Mother, dad, Beryl, Geoffrey, Dennis (R.N.) Grave Reference: Wilford Hill: G30/4 Buried May 27th 1941