Thomas Whitchurch (60)
- Family History
- Military History
- Extra Information
- Photographs
Thomas Whitchurch was the son of Cornelius and Ellen Whitchurch and the brother of Lucy and Samuel Whitchurch. In 1891, they lived at 19, Independent Hill, St Mary Parish. By 1901, the family had moved to 16, Cathcart Street (both Nottingham). Thomas married Harriet Thomas at Nottingham in 1906 and they lived at 11, Northville Street, Nottingham until Thomas was killed in 1941. During this period, they had four children – Mary, Thomas Arthur, Irene Ellen and Cornelius.
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: WHITCHURCH. – Treasured memories of my dear husband, Thomas, killed by enemy action May 9th 1941. I who dearly loved him miss him as it dawns one lonely year. – Sorrowing wife. WHITCHURCH. (Tom) – In loving memory of dad, taken from us through enemy action one year today. Always to be remembered. – Sons, daughters and grandchildren. WHITCHURCH. – Cherished memories of dad, killed by enemy action May 9th1941. – Loving daughters Irene, son in law Bill and granddaughter Brenda. Grave Reference: Wilford Hill: G30/3 Buried May 234rd 1941
No Photos