John Samuel Paul (64)

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, 9/5/1942, Page 2, In Memoriam: PAUL. – In remembrance of my dear husband who died May 9th by enemy action. – Ever in my thoughts and will ever remain. – Loving wife. PAUL. – John Samuel, May 9th 1941, by enemy action. Time will not dim the memory of one we loved so well – Loving sons, daughters, sons in law, daughter in law and grandchildren. Grave Reference: Wilford Hill: T31/63A Buried May 12th 1941