John Edward Woodward (33)

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 26th 1941: WOODWARD - Eddie aged 33, killed by enemy action. Beautiful memories are all we have left of one we loved dearly and shall never forget; a lovely smile, a happy face, a broken heart we can never replace – Broken hearted wife Doris and Barrie. Funeral Carlton Cemetery Tuesday 3pm. WOODWARD – Eddie, Killed by enemy action, dearly beloved so of Edward Woodward. Some day we will understand. WOODWARD – Eddie, Killed by enemy action, our dearly beloved brother. His smiling face we cannot see, it seems as though it was to be; while on this earth he did his best and now he has eternal rest – Doris and Stan, Jennie and Terry (Mablethorpe) Bill and Hilda (Peterborough). WOODWARD – Eddie, Killed by enemy action, dearly beloved son in law of Mr and Mrs Thompson. Too dearly loved to be forgotten – Mam and Dad Nottingham Evening Post, 9/5/1942, Page 2, In Memoriam: WOODWARD – Treasured memories of a dear husband, killed by enemy action one year today. You have left me Barrie for remembrance. Until we meet again. – Wife Doris, little son Barrie. WOODWARD – Memories of my only son, Edd killed by enemy action May 9th 1941. His memory is my geatest treasue; in my heart it will live forever. – Dad WOODWARD – Remembrance of our dear brother , Edd. A cheerful smile, a heart of gold, the dearest brother the world could hold. – Doris, Stan, Jenny, Terry (Boston Lodge, Mablethorpe), Bob, Hilda (Peterborough). WOODWARD – In affectionate remembrance of our dear brother in law Edd, killed May 9th 1941. A woderful nature and loving and kind, beautiful memory left behind. – Edna, Walter and June (Birmingham). WOODWARD – Memories of our son in law Edd, killed by enemy action May 9th 1941, age 33. A tribute of love and remembrance to one we shall never forget. – Mam and dad (Thompson). Grave Reference: Cremated