Newton Abbot Bombing 2 September 1942

[Dale]

Kia Ora from New Zealand
My greatgrandparents left England in 1878. I have traced all the rellies back to the 1700s but just today discovered that my greatgran's first cousin died on 2 September 1942 and is listed as a Civillian Death on the Commonwealth War Graves Commision site.

Elizabeth Mary WILLIAMS and her husband Henry John WILLIAMS aged 79 and 82 both died at 11 Higher Brook Street on the same day.

Their deaths are registered in the Newton A District.

Can anyone tell me:
1. Details of the incident or where I might find it?
2. Where were they likely to be buried?
3. There is no indication of them being taken to hospital and I presume as they appear to have died instantly there would be no hospital records?
4. is there a Memorial Plaque in the town?
5. Does the street still exist?

Any information/bright ideas for further info gratefully received!
Many thanks
Marlene
New Zealand

[IMBER]

Contact the RAF Museum, Hendon.

[Dale]

Thanks Imber! Hadn't thought of the RAF for civilians.
Cheers
Marlene

[Debjam]

Higher Brook Street is still in Teignmouth
http://www.devonheritage.org/Places/Teignmouth/CasualtiesofthebombingofTeignmouthinWorldWar2.htm

[Dale]

Thanks Debjam! I went surfing last night and found that site!
Appreciate your help.
Marlene

[cheshiremog]

Dear Marlene
Were you able to find out where your relatives may have been commemorated or buried?
I visit the Torbay area most years and would be pleased to try to find the graves or plaques and take a photo for you which I can email over. Did the cwgc site say where they were remembered - it usually does
Carol

[Dale]

Kia Ora Carol
What a wonderful offer thank you so much!
The CWGC site says both Elizabeth & Henry Williams
"died on 2 September 1942 .. of 11 Higher Brook Street. Died at 11 Higher Brook Street.
Remembered with honour
Teignmouth Urban District"
The deaths were registered in Newton Abott Registration district.

I have recently discovered descendants in California but we were under the misapprehension the couple had died in Canada! The family in Canada have just ordered the Death Cert of Henry Williams  so when it arrives I'll assess whether there is any new information and let you know!
You would make both sides of the family very happy to have some evidence of their graves!
Thanks again
Marlene.

[cheshiremog]

Dear Marlene
Its a shame the cwgc doesn't say where they are commemorated - maybe civilian casualties weren't given cwgc headstones and were therefore buried privately by their families ? If so - it could be anywhere.  I would gladly go on a hunt if I had a starting point such as a cemetery name or memorial to go on.  If you ever find out anymore - let me know - Carol

[terryleaman]

I would say that the starting point for this search should be Teignmouth Cemetery- Devon FHS have recently published a CD of burials there , see- http://www.devonfhs.org.uk/publications.htm#CD

TEIGNMOUTH CEMETERY BURIALS 1881-1994
A collection of over 12,300 records extracted from the Cemetery Registers.

Teignmouth is in Newton registration district. If not try contacting Teignbridge Council in Newton Abbot.