Vernon John Sands (54)
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
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Vernon John Sands was the son of Richard and Emma Sands and the brother of Mabel and James Sands. In 1891, they lived at 14, Seymour Street, Sneinton, Nottingham. In 1901, Vernon was a pupil at the Arethusa and Chichester naval training ships Swanscombe, Dartford, Kent. Vernon Sands married Rosina Fowler at Nottingham in 1914 and they had three daughters – Dorothy, Margaret and Olive. They lived with Rosina’s parents in 1921 at 21, Lees Hill Road, Nottingham. Rosina Sands died in 1940 aged 49. By 1939 and at the time of his death two years later, Vernon’s address was 5, Comery Avenue, Carlton Road, Nottingham.
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).
Established originally by Lord Shaftsbury in 1866 to prepare destitute boys for lives at sea, Arethusa and Chichester naval training ships seem, by modern standards, harsh, austere régimes with rigid disciplinary codes enforced by brutal beatings. However, they also gave boys skills, fresh air and career possibilities. It is unclear why Vernon Sands attended this institution. During the Great War, attesting 7/12/1915 as John Vernon Sands, Vernon served with the Royal Garrison Artillery (94366) before transfer to the Royal Engineers (368430). He spent part of the conflict in Palestine. Nottingham Evening Post, Deaths, Monday May 12th 1941: SANDS – By enemy action. Vernon John Sands, beloved father of Dorothy, Margaret and Olive. At rest. SANDS – Vernon John Sands, beloved son and brother, Mother and sister Mabel. Nottingham Evening Post, 9/5/1942, Page 2, In Memoriam: SANDS – Loving memories of dad, killed through enemy action May 9th 1941. Sadly missed – Dorothy, Margaret, Olive, son in law Edgar, sister in law Hilda. SANDS – Vernon John. Treasured memories of my dear son. – Mother. SANDS – Vernon John. At rest. – Sister Mabel, and uncle of Dick and Ted.
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