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This data is related to World War 2
Civilian

Arthur Leslie Perkins (38)

Service Number N/A
Military Unit Co-op Bakery Meadow Lane Nottingham 9/5/1941
Date of birth Unknown
Date of Death Unknown (Age Unknown)
Place of Birth Sherwood, Nottingham (2/9/1902)
Employment, Education or Hobbies Arthur Perkins had previously built cycles at Raleigh but by 1939 was employed by the Co-op as a packer of confectionery and cake.
Family History

Arthur Leslie Perkins was the son of Thomas Henry (died 1912) and Ellen Perkins and the brother of Walter John and Evelyn Perkins. In 1911, they lived at 3, Crossman Street but by 1921, had moved to 3, Ormonde Terrace, Burnham Street (both Nottingham). The 1939 Register recorded Arthur lodging at 26, Longmead Drive, Arnold, Nottingham.

Military History

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).

Extra Information

Nottingham Evening Post, Deaths, Tuesday May 13th 1941 PERKINS – Killed by enemy action, Arthur Leslie aged 38, dearly loved husband of Alice. One of the best. Funeral from 26, Longmead Drive, Edwards Lane. Redhill Cemetery 11 o’clock Wedhesday – Broken hearted wife and relatives. Nottingham Evening Post, 9/5/1942, Page 2, In Memoriam: PERKINS - Sweetest memories of my darling husband, Leslie, killed by enemy action, May 9th 1941. In my heart always- Loved and remembered by heartbroken wife Alma. PERKINS – Loving memories today and always of dear Leslie, killed May 9th 1941. – Mother, Walter, Evelyn, May and David. PERKINS – Thoughts of Les and peaceful, happy times spent together. Killed May 9th 1941. – Syd, Kath, Gwen and John.

Photographs

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