Samuel Theaker (29)

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, Monday May 12th 1941: THEAKER – Cyril, while on duty, dearest husband of Agnes (née Richards) and dearest daddy of Arthur. Shattered hopes. Funeral 41, Westwood Road, Thursday, St Saviour’s Church 2.45, Wilford Hill, 3.15. Nottingham Evening Post, 9/5/1942, Page 2, In Memoriam: THEAKER – Cyril, killed on duty, May 9th. In life one of the finest, in death one of the brave, he failed not in his duty, himself he gladly gave. – Wife and son. THEAKER - Cyril, enemy action, treasured memories of a beautiful life worthy of remembrance. – Sister Carrie, Leon and family. THEAKER – Memories of Cyril who died through enemy action one year today. Always remembered – Hilda and Ralph. THEAKER – In remembrance of our dear friend Cyril, died one year today. He died that we might live . - Phyllis and Frances Legg. THEAKER- Sam. Treasured memories. Swift and sudden came the parting, taken home without a sigh, we can’t believe that you have left us, you never said goodbye. – Wife, son Ray. THEAKER – Treasured memories of brother in law Samuel, killed by enemy action one year today, - loving sisters, brothers in law. THEAKER – Sam, killed by enemy action one year today. Gone but not forgotten – Brothers Tom (R.A.), Bob (R.N.)