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Author Topic: Civilian WW2 casualties in Kent  (Read 5714 times)

Offline Denby1

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Civilian WW2 casualties in Kent
« on: Sunday 04 December 11 18:11 GMT (UK) »
There is a family story that a great Aunt of mine was killed during the Second World War whilst travelling by bus between Canterbury and Herne Bay in Kent. The bus was attacked by a German aircraft.
I am hoping that someone may know of this incident – I would like to find out more.
Alternatively, is someone able to point me to resources/archives that may aid my research?

Thanks in advance,
Denby

Offline rosie99

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Re: Civilian WW2 casualties in Kent
« Reply #1 on: Sunday 04 December 11 18:16 GMT (UK) »
Is she on the civilian deaths on the war graves site?  http://www.cwgc.org/

What was her name?

Rosie
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Offline HeatherLynne

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Re: Civilian WW2 casualties in Kent
« Reply #2 on: Sunday 04 December 11 18:18 GMT (UK) »
Hi Denby

Have you searched for her on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission site?  My great-grandmother's death is recorded on there, she was killed at home during the blitz, so there's a chance you may find your great Aunt listed too.

How about writing to the local papers in Canterbury and Herne Bay, it may well be that their older readers may remember the incident or could advise which newpaper might have carried a report at the time.

Good luck!  Heather

p.s. Great minds Rosie!  I forgot the link on my post  ::)
Rassell - South Hayling/Portsea/Chelsea,  Hellyer - Totnes/Islington,  Roots - Hackney,  Edden - St Pancras

Offline Denby1

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Re: Civilian WW2 casualties in Kent
« Reply #3 on: Sunday 04 December 11 19:07 GMT (UK) »
Rosie & Heather,

Thanks for your quick replies. My Great Aunt doesn't exist on CWGC under her maiden name. I can only assume that she married, but I have yet to find a record.
I shall take up the idea of contacting the Kent newspapers.

Thanks again,
Denby

Offline ama50

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Re: Civilian WW2 casualties in Kent
« Reply #4 on: Sunday 04 December 11 19:44 GMT (UK) »
Hello Denby,

     I can't confirm any details for you, but I can remember being told by an elderly life-time resident of Canterbury that an enemy aircraft did , in fact, buzz-bomb a bus in ( she thought) Sturry Road, Canterbury and people were killed.

    This would fit with the story you have heard, sadly I can no longer ask the person, but I would love to know what you find out.

           Best wishes    ama50

Witherow, Co. Derry

Offline croxia

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Re: Civilian WW2 casualties in Kent
« Reply #5 on: Sunday 04 December 11 21:23 GMT (UK) »
Hello Denby

I have some info. that may help you. On October 31st 1942 a double decker bus was hit by stray bullets from a dogfight between a Spitfire and a Luftwaffe plane. Eight people on the bus were killed. This happened around the Sturry area.

I have recent newspaper articles describing this and the bomb(s) that hit Sturry village on the 18th November 1941.

It is probably best that I do not put anything else as I don't want to breach copywrite rules!

I will PM you with two websites of local newspapers.

Regards
Croxia
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