The Bay Museum is a friendly museum situated on Canvey Island. Based in a degaussing station, it now offers a wealth of artefacts, books and displays focusing on both local and world military history. Open from 10am till 4pm, the museum also organises trips to France and Belgium to experience the battlefields first hand, as well as helping you research your own family military histories. The museum is run by volunteers who always warmly welcome visitors and are never short of a war story!
Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service 12 October 1941.
Date Time Location Damage
12/10/1941 Rayleigh 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell found in the garden of
“Barrington” Hockley Road. No damage or casualties. Date and time of falling not known. (Disposed of BDS 17.10.41).
Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service 7 October 1941.
Date Time Location Damage
07/10/1941 Foulness 1 – H.E unexploded found in a field at Jerry Wood,
Island Small Gains Farm, 500 yards North of main road. No damage or casualties. Date and time of falling believed 02.20 hrs the 23.6.41 (disposed of BDS 15.12.41).
07/10/1941 Ingrave 1 – H.E unexploded found in 45 Acre field, behind
Hatch Farm, 500 yards from Arterial Road. No damage or casualties. (disposed of BDS 6.11.41).
SECOND WORLD WAR October 194
(Eastern Front)
The Lithuanian city of Vilnius was the spiritual and cultural centre of Eastern European Jewry which was known as “The Jerusalem of Lithuania”. Nazi Germany occupied Lithuania when they invaded the Soviet Union under Operation Barbarossa in June 1941. With the collaboration of the Nazis, Lithuanian leaders were in favour of ethnic cleansing of the Jewish and Polish residents of Vilnius. On the 1st October 1941, the Vilnius Ghetto Yom Kippur Aktion began. Two separate ghettos had been organised, Ghetto I and Ghetto II, in an area situated in the Jewish quarter of Vilnius Old Town. Ghetto I was used for Jewish people with work certificates and Ghetto II was for Jews without. On Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement, 1st October 1941) the first of three Aktions took place in Ghetto II. On the 16th October 1941, Jewish people were told they were being transferred to a third ghetto where there was a shortage of workers. They laid down in the street refusing to move where dozens were killed following the order to shoot. The remainder were sent to Ponary, situated south west of Vilnius. On the 21st October 1941 the second Aktion occurred when 1,000 Jews were murdered at Ponary. On the 24th October 1941 about 2,500 were deported from Vilnius to Ponary and murdered. Ghetto II had thus been liquidated and ceased to exist.
In Poland, near the border with the Ukraine, Majdanek concentration camp was opened on the 1st October 1941 by the German occupying forces. As part of Operation Barbarossa, the German invasion of the Soviet Union and following the Battle of Kiev there were a large number of Soviet prisoners-of-war. In July 1941 Reichsführer – S.S. Heinrich Himmler ordered a new concentration camp to be built to hold at least 25,000 POWs. Construction was carried out by 150 Jewish forced labourers and assisted by 2,000 Red Army POWs. By mid-November 1941 only 500 were alive such were the harsh conditions they were subjected to. The site was initially intended as a labour force camp rather than an extermination camp. It was to become one of the largest of Nazi-run concentration camps when seven gas chambers, two wooden gallows and 277 structures were added. By mid-December 1941 barracks for 20, 000 was ready when a typhus epidemic broke out. By January 1942 all the slave labourers, POWs and Polish Jews were dead.
Operation Typhoon was launched on the 2nd October 1941 as part of the German invasion of the Soviet Union codenamed Operation Barbarossa. So successful was the invasion that the German Army, who were better equipped, better led, better trained and more experienced in battle, had plunged deep into the industrial heart of the Soviet Union. The defeat of the Soviet Union depended on the German army subduing them before the onset of winter. German Dictator Adolf Hitler wished to have defeated the Soviet Union by the end of October 1941 and therefore his army and air force had been sent to the Eastern Front with only their summer kit. On the 6th October 1941 the Soviet Dictator Joseph Stalin had recalled Georgy Zhukov from the Leningrad Front to take charge of Moscow’s defence. Zhukov recognised the German army’s vulnerability to the Russian winter and was happy to hold the German’s at bay until the alternative snows and torrential rain halted their advance and they became virtually immobile. German legions were within sight of Leningrad in the north, while to the south German and Romanian troops were threatening the petrochemical and agricultural production in the Ukraine and the Crimean regions. German troops had captured Smolensk in the east which was only 288 km (180 miles) from Moscow. With the approaching winter German Panzer troops were hampered by the muddy ground on the 13th October 1941 owing to the first snowfalls and subsequent thaw. Hitler wanted a push toward Moscow and was confident that would result in “The Last, Great Decisive Battle of the War”. The German Army continued their advance to Moscow but were hindered by the Red Army’s resistance just at the time when the temperatures began to fall. When the Soviet resistance was overcome the German Panzers continued to press on toward Moscow. On the 15th October 1941 Stalin ordered the government and the Communist Party to evacuate Moscow and to continue to operate from Kuibyshev (Now Samara). Stalin remained in the Soviet capital along with a limited number of officials in order to boost Soviet confidence in the government. Zhukov ordered reinforcements and troops from Siberia began arriving on the 18th October 1941. A Soviet official announcement on the 19th October 1941 stated that the Siege of Moscow had begun.
Following the German invasion of the Soviet Union the Nazis incorporated the Polish town of Stanislawow into the Western Ukraine as part of the District of Galicia. On the 12th October 1941 between 10,000 and 12,000 Jews were murdered in the so-called Bloody Sunday massacre. By the order of German S.S. Commander Hans Krueger thousands of Jews were gathered at the town’s market square and were escorted to the Jewish cemetery where mass graves had already been prepared. The Jews were forced to give away their valuables and to show their papers. Groups of men, women and children were ordered to strip naked and proceed to the graves where they were massacred by machine gun and rifle bullets. This Aktion, known as hthe Bloody Sunday massacre was unprecedented in Holocaust history up until that date.
On the south west coast of the Ukraine the massacre of the Jews in the city of Odessa took place between the 22nd and 23rd October 1941. Prior to the Second World War 30% of Odessa’s population, numbering 180,000 were Jewish. Following a two month siege German and Rumanian troops captured Odessa on the 16th October 1941. At the end of the siege approximately 80,000 to 90,000 Jews remained, the rest either having fled or been evacuated by the Soviet Union. On the 22nd October 1941 the Rumanian military commander General Ioan Glogojeanu had established his headquarters in the N.K.D.V. building in readiness to occupy the city. The retreating Soviet troops had planted a radio-controlled mine in the building prior to the surrender of the city. The mine exploded and the building collapsed, killing 67 people of whom 16 were officers including Glogojeanu. The Jewish people and the Communists were held responsible for the explosion. The response was that Rumanian and German troops arrived at Odessa on the 23rd October 1941 with orders to kill 5,000 to 10,000 hostages. Rumanian and German occupiers raided apartments of Odessa citizens and many were either shot or hanged. 5,000 Jews were ordered to the village of Dalnik on the 24th October 1941. The first 50 were marched to an anti-tank ditch and executed by the Lt-Col. Nicolae Deleanu. The city of Odessa lost about 10% of its citizens in the first week of the Rumanian occupation.
The Slovak Republic had gained independence from Czechoslovakia in March 1939 and was placed under the protection of Nazi Germany. Many Jews emigrated before October 1941 and at the same time 15,000 Jews were expelled from Bratislava to the Stobodka Ghetto in Poland on the 22nd October 1941. Originally the Slovak government attempted to deport the Jews as a substitute for providing Slovak workers to help the war effort. The original proposal was that 20,000 male Jews aged 16 and above would be for use as German forced labour. The concern for the Slovak government was that too many retained Jews would be a burden on the state. A financial agreement was reached where slave labour would be supplied by the Slovaks and the Germans would deport the remaining Jews, for them never to return. The Slovak government later claimed they were unaware the Germans were systematically exterminating the Jews under its control.
The battle for Kharkov began on the 6th October 1941. As a city, Kharkov lies directly south of Moscow on the borders of the Soviet Union and the Ukraine. The city was one of the largest Industrial centres of the Soviet Union with the main German objective being the capture of the railway system and the military factories. The Germans needed to secure Kharkov In order to protect their flanks now that the battle for Moscow was under way. By the 21st October 1941 the German 101st Light Division had reached within 6 km (3.75 miles) of the western outskirts of the city. The following day, the 22nd October 1941, a German reconnaissance was ordered to ascertain the Soviet defensive strength. On the same day a Soviet infantry battalion supported by tanks attacked the Germans. The attack was repulsed and two Soviet tanks were disabled. By the 20th October 1941 the Soviet leadership realised they would have to retreat and the evacuation of all the industrial enterprises were almost complete. Before the Germans had a chance to attack, 70 major factories were evacuated by being transported on 320 trains taking equipment away from the city. The Germans occupied the evacuated city on the 24th October 1941.
The port and city of Sevastopol is on the southern point of the Ukraine on the coast of the Black Sea. The Axis Powers of Germany and Romania attacked the Soviet defenders for control of city following Operation Barbarossa. This would give the Axis Powers an open route in their drive toward Moscow. By late October 1941 several attempts had been made to capture the city by the Axis Powers, however, these attacks were repelled. The Axis Powers were on the outskirts of the city but the planned major offensive was delayed by heavy rains. The Axis Powers opted to conduct a siege campaign and the Siege of Sevastopol began on the 27th 0ctober 1941.
———–
(Other Theatres)
India, a multi-religious British Colony, had joined the Allies against Nazi Germany at the beginning of the Second World War and her armies were engaged in various theatres. However, Mahatma Gandhi, a 72 year old anti-colonial nationalist urged his followers to begin a passive resistance against British rule in India on 3rd October 1941. His opposition to India participating in the Second World War was that India was denied democratic independence from Britain. India was being denied but her troops were fighting for Britain opposing Nazism and Fascism for the freedom of other occupied countries. Despite Ghandi’s opposition, the Indian army numbered just under 200,000 men at the beginning of the war. By the end of the war it had become the largest volunteer army in history, rising to over 2.5 million men in August 1945. The Indian Army fought for the British Empire mainly in Africa, the Middle East and Burma. Ghandi continued his campaign throughout the war and beyond until India achieved independence in 1947.
Although still neutral the United States of America was operating naval warships in the Atlantic. Two separate incidents involving American warships occurred during this period. In mid-October 1941 the first incident was when U.S.S. Kearney, a Greaves-class destroyer was docked in the U.S.-occupied port of Reykjavik in Iceland. A nearby British convoy was attacked by a wolf pack of German U-boats who had overwhelmed her Canadian escorts. Kearney along with three other U.S. destroyers were ordered to assist. Upon reaching the action Kearney dropped depth charges on the U-boats then followed up with a barrage throughout the night. On the 17th October 1941 U-boat U-568 fired a torpedo at Kearney which struck her on the starboard side. She sailed out of the danger zone when the crew had confined the flooding to the forward fire room then sailed back to Iceland for temporary repairs. The torpedo attack cost the lives of 21 men with a further 22 injured. On the 25th December 1941 Kearney sailed for Boston Massachusetts for permanent repairs. After the permanent repairs Kearney went on to see action in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and other theatres of war. Following the U.S. entry into the Second World War Hitler cited the attack of the wolf pack as an act of provocation which justified the German declaration of war against the U.S. in December 1941. The second incident was after the Clemson-class destroyer U.S.S. Reuben James had joined the Neutrality Patrol guarding the Atlantic and Caribbean approaches to the U.S. since the beginning of the Second World War. By March 1941 she had joined the established force who escorted convoys sailing for Britain. The U.S. force only escorted convoys as far as Iceland and British escorts took over from there. On the 31stOctober 1941 Reuben James along with 4 other destroyers were escorting Convoy HX156 near Iceland when they were attacked by a German submarine wolf pack. Reuben James positioned herself between the wolf pack and an ammunition ship in the convoy. The Reuben James was torpedoed by U-boat U-552 who had aimed at the merchant ship. The entire bow was blown off when a magazine exploded. The after section floated for a few minutes but the bow sank immediately. 100 members of the crew were killed leaving only 44 enlisted men who survived. All seven officers were among those who did not survive the attack.
In America the policy had been to help the British with financial aid but not joining in the war. In March 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Lease-Lend Bill. On the 30th October 1941 China and the Soviet Union had been included in the approved $1 billion dollar Lease-Lend aid to Britain.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumimaro Konoe had started the war with China in 1937. By 1940 Konoe no longer believed that a military solution to the “China Affair” was possible. His aim was to seek a diplomatic solution by having Germany mediate a peace settlement with China. Hideki Tojo, as Army Minister expanded the war with China by placing Japanese troops in the southern part of Vichy French Indochina. Japan and Italy had entered into a tripartite agreement in September 1940 with Germany which included occupied Vichy-France. The Imperial Conference between Japan and America was fixed to be concluded in early October 1941. The deadline had passed on the 16th October 1941 with no progress to resolve the problem of the “China Affair”. The United States immediately imposed economic sanctions on Japan including a total embargo on all oil and petrol exports. Konoe resign as Prime Minister on the 16th October 1941 as he felt politically isolated and that Emperor Hirohito no longer trusted him. The majority of the government favoured military action. On the 17th October 1941 Tojo became the new Prime Minister of Japan. In his first radio speech Tojo said he favoured “world peace” but also stated his determination to resolve the “China Affair” on Japanese terms. By the 21st October 1941 negotiations between Japan and America appeared to be heading toward failure.
In Luxemburg on the 19th October 1941 the German occupiers declared the territory to be free of Jews. When Germany occupied Luxemburg in May 1940 among the population there were approximately 3,500 Jews. Many of these Jews had arrived in Luxemburg from Germany to escape persecution where they were then encouraged to leave the country for Vichy-France. By October 1941 emigration was forbidden but not before nearly 2,500 had already left. When in Vichy-France the Jews were no better off as they were forced to wear the yellow Star of David badge. Most of them were later deported to concentration camps. In Luxemburg the Nazi authorities began to deport the remaining Jews to concentration camps in Poland. On the 19th October 1941 Luxemburg was declared “Judenfrei” (“cleansed of Jews”).
————————————————–
Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service September 1941.
Date Time Location Damage
03/09/1941 Nevendon An unexploded Parachute flare found 300 yards
South of Burnt Mills Road. No damage or casualties.
04/09/1941 Pilgrims 1 – H.E. unexploded found in cornfield at Sandpit
Hatch Lane, 65 yards from road. No damage or casualties. Date and time of falling not known. (disposed of BDS 20.9.41).
09/09/1941 Warley 2 – H.Es unexploded on open ground at rear of
refuge dump in Magpie Wood. No damage or casualties. Date and time of falling not known. (disposed of BDS 4.10.41).
18/09/1941 00.20 Foulness 2 – Paramines exploded in the mud 300 yards East
Island of sea wall 1/2 mile North East of Fisherman’s Head. Windows of garages on Government property at Court End broken. No casualties.
19/09/1941 Pitsea 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell found at Sewage
Disposal Farm, 20 yards East of Pumping Station. Date and time of falling unknown. No damage or casualties. (Disposed of BDS 5.10.41).
Date Time Location Damage
19/07/1941 Found Brentwood 2 – H.E unexploded in a field East of Weald Brook,
opposite 13th hole, Mayland Golf Course, Brook Street. No damage or casualties. Time of falling not known.
Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service 19 July 1941.
Date Time Location Damage
19/07/1941 Found Brentwood 2 – H.E unexploded in a field East of Weald Brook,
opposite 13th hole, Mayland Golf Course, Brook Street. No damage or casualties. Time of falling not known.
Date Time Location Damage
19/07/1941 Found Brentwood 2 – H.E unexploded in a field East of Weald Brook,
opposite 13th hole, Mayland Golf Course, Brook Street. No damage or casualties. Time of falling not known.
Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service 7 July 1941.
Date Time Location Damage
07/07/1941 Found South 1 – H.E unexploded in wood 800 yards North of
Weald Colchester Road, Brook Street, East of Putwell Bridge, 500 yards from Brook, 150 yards into wood. Time of falling not known. No damage or casualties. (disposed of BDS 27.7.41).
07/07/1941 Found Hockley A Meteorological balloon found by Leslie Ellis of
Nelson Road Hockley forwarded to HQ 17.7.41.
Reopening notice.
The Bay Museum intends to reopen on Sunday 23rd May 2021 and will be open subsequent Sundays from 10.00 until the afternoon.
On account of the restricted size and nature of the building it will only be possible for one family group to be admitted at any one time.
In accordance with Government legislation and requirements it will be necessary for all visitors except children under 12 years of age to wear a mask and gloves and they will be tested for a temperature.
We recommend any one specially wishing to visit the Museum to make a prior appointment by calling 07899 674630 and booking a specific time.
Booked visitors will have priority over anyone wishing to drop in.
Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service January 1941.
Date Time Location Damage
04/01/1941 Great Warley 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in garden of 22 Mount
Crescent. No damage or casualties. B.D.S 6.2.41.
04/01/1941 02.05 Great Warley 5 – H.Es exploded at Warley Barracks 20 yards
from swimming pool. 1 located remainder of wood. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
05/01/1941 15.30 Great 10 – H.Es exploded in fields in line from 500 yards
Burstead West of St Marys, Crays Hill to Bridge Farm. No damage or casualties.
05/01/1941 20.45 Great Warley I.Bs (a number) on open ground near The
Thatcher’s Arms P.H. No damage or casualties.
05/01/1941 20.55 Herongate I.Bs (a number) fell in Thorndon Park and 10 or 12
near The Boars Head. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
05/01/1941 22.00 Doddinghurst 1 – H.E. exploded at Howells Farm,
Doddinghurst Road. No damage or casualties.
06/01/1941 09.00 Great 1 – H.E. unexploded in a field 1/4 mile East of
Wakering Wakering Common Road. No damage or casualties. (Dealt with by B.D.S. 11.1.41).
06/01/1941 10.05 Brentwood 16 – H.Es exploded in the Gas Company’s Sports
Ground, 5 exploded in Brickfields (slight damage to property) 5 exploded and 1 unexploded in vicinity of Railway Station, 1 fatal, 7 serious and 13 slight casualties. Considerable damage to property. (unexploded removed right away by B.D.S. from Railway).
06/01/1941 14.25 Pitsea 1 – H.E. exploded on footpath outside “Cartref” St
Michaels. No damage or casualties.
07/01/1941 14.40 Little Warley 7 – H.Es exploded, 2 in fields of Brickfields, 3 in
field at rear of Waterworks, 1 in field at “The Goldings” and 1 in hedge of a lane between Thatcher’s Arms and Hall Farm, Great Warley. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
07/01/1941 16.10 Rochford 7 – H.E. exploded on or near Rochford Aerodrome.
No damage or casualties.
08/01/1941 N/K Hutton 1 – H.E. unexploded on Martins Farm 400 yards
North of Rayleigh Road. No damage or casualties.
09/01/1941 N/K Great Warley 1 – H.E. unexploded 100 yards from Lodge at
entrance to Boyles Court. No damage or casualties. BDS 29.11.41.
10/01/1941 N/K Canewdon 1 – H.E. exploded 200 yards West of Loftmans
Farm. No damage or casualties.
11/01/1941 19.40 South I.Bs (a number) over a wide area. No casualties, 1
Benfleet bungalow completely gutted, 1 extensively damaged and 11 slightly damaged. Gas main damaged. “Westbury” I.B. through roof slight damage.
11/01/1941 19.55 Pitsea I.Bs (a number) fell on Pitsea Estate. 2 houses
badly damaged. A Chapel and 10 houses slightly damaged, 1 serious, 1 slight casualty.
11/01/1941 19.55 Basildon I.Bs (a number) over a wide area. A bungalow, a
farmhouse and a school slightly damaged. No casualties.
11/01/1941 19.56 Thundersley I.Bs (a number) fell on Bread & Cheese Hill, 1
slight casualty. A garage used as a Furniture Depository and 2 bungalows damaged.
11/01/1941 Brentwood 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell at Brickhouse Farm,
Doddinghurst Road. No damage or casualties. (Removed B.D.S. 25.2.41).
11/01/1941 20.15 Pilgrims 1 U.X.B.A. bomb board, wire and parachute and
Hatch circular board found near PC Dayer’s house. No damage or casualties. (disposed of by B.D.S 13th).
11/01/1941 21.15 Mountnessing 1 U.X.B.A. bomb board, wire and parachute
and circular board found at Swallows Cross. Bomb in hedge at Bullmans Farm. (Disposed of by B.D.S 13th).
11/01/1941 22.30 Doddinghurst 2 – Parachutes and a large quantity of wire.
A heavy explosion was heard when this material grounded.
12/01/1941 18.25 Doddinghurst 1 U.X.B. with wire and parachute attached
at Stockfield. Also a parachute and wire only in a field near Shepherds Inn. (Disposed of by B.D.S. 13th).
12/01/1941 Pilgrims 1 U.X.B Small Yellow with parachute attached
Hatch near Ashwells (Disposed of by B.D.S. 13th). Also 1 parachute only at Ashwells.
12/01/1941 Doddinghurst 1 – U.X.B. Small Yellow with a parachute
and wire attached in Howgego’s field, Dagwood Lane. (Disposed of B.D.S. 15th)
12/01/1941 Doddinghurst 1- U.X.B. Small Yellow near “The Warren”
Blackmore Road. (Disposed of by B.D.S. 16th).
12/01/1941 18.30 Basildon 1 – H.E. unexploded in a field 300 yards South of
Burnt Mills and 600 yards East of Rectory Road. No damage or casualties.
12/01/1941 18.40 Pitsea 1 – H.E. exploded in a field between Rectory Road
and Pound Lane. No damage or casualties.
12/01/1941 18.45 Pilgrims 1 – H.E. exploded in garden of “Dorna” Hatch
Hatch Road, 4 houses slightly damaged. No casualties.
12/01/1941 18.50 Wickford 5 – H.E. exploded at Atherstone Gardens and a
number of I.Bs in open ground. Slight damage to property. No 1 Police Houses, telephone wires and electric cables down.
12/01/1941 18.50 Rayleigh 1 – H.E. exploded in upper Edwards Hall,
Eastwood Rise. No damage or casualties.
12/01/1941 19.00 Brentwood 1 – H.E. exploded in Crown Square, Crown Street,
8 slight casualties. 4 houses demolished, 14 houses and a school seriously damaged. 16 houses slightly damaged. Water and gas mains damaged. 2 unclassified roads closed.
12/01/1941 19.00 Pilgrims 1 – H.E. exploded 150 yards East of Ashwells
Hatch Farm, School Lane. No damage or casualties.
12/01/1941 19.05 Laindon 1 – H.E. exploded at Castle Lane, Primrose Hill.
Slight damage to property. No casualties.
12/01/1941 19.10 Barling 1 – I.B. burnt out at Clays Street Farm. No
damage or casualties.
12/01/1941 19.10 Sutton 2 – H.Es exploded Temlle Farm, 400 yards West of
Sutton Road. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
12/01/1941 19.19 Little Warley I.Bs (a number) burnt out in fields North of Arterial
Road, near Warley Street. No damage or casualties.
12/01/1941 20.15 Rochford 7 – H.Es exploded in fields at Blatches Farm.
Slight damage to property. No casualties.
12/01/1941 21.20 Little 7 – H.Es exploded in fields at Hatches Farm. No
Burstead damage or casualties.
12/01/1941 21.40 Canvey 4 – H.Es exploded near Scars Elbow Fort. 2 in
Island fields and 2 in River Thames. No damage or casualties. Also I.Bs (a number) on 70 ton Lighter named “WYE” near O’Dells Dump, Northwick Road. No casualties. Boat damaged and
12/01/1941 21.40 Dunton I.Bs (a number) burnt out in fields between Dunton
Colony and Dunton Hall Farm. No damage or casualties.
12/01/1941 21.50 Hadleigh 5 – H.Es, 4 exploded and 1 unexploded in and near
The Crescent, and a number of I.Bs near Burrows Recreation Ground. 1 H.E. exploded 70 yards North of Scrubbs Lane, 1 unexploded 100 yards West of Woodfield Road and 3 exploded on open ground behind Woodfield Road, 2 fatal casualties (females 14 months and 9 years) 4 serious and 5 slight casualties, 1 bungalow demolished, slight damage to other property. Water and gas mains damaged, sewer damaged and three unclassified roads closed.
12/01/1941 22.10 Dunton 7 – H.Es exploded in fields at rear of Dunton
Wayletts Farm. No damage or casualties.
12/01/1941 22.28 Shenfield 1 – A.A. Shell exploded in School Chase. No
damage or casualties.
13/01/1941 N/K Potton 1 – H.E. unexploded on saltings 1/2 mile North of
Island Farmhouse and 35 feet from sea wall and 50 yards West of Storehouse on North East side of sea wall. No damage or casualties.
16/01/1941 01.04 Brentwood A German Dornier 17 shot down by night fighter
crashed in flames in Hartswood 100 yards from junction of Woodman and Hartswood Roads. Machine completely burnt out. Remains of 3 bodies found in wreckage.
16/01/1941 05.15 Canvey A German Heinkel 111 shot down by night fighter
Island crashed in flames in River Thames 100 yards South of Oil Wharf Jetty Hole Haven. Occupants 2 dead and 3 prisoners (1 at Oldchurch Hospital).
18/01/1941 15.35 Billericay 10 – H.Es 8 exploded and 2 unexploded in fields
East of Lawness Farm. No damage or casualties. (Dealt with by B.D.S. 9.4.41).
18/01/1941 16.45 Hockley Barrage Balloon grounded in a field near
Homefield Farm, Greensword Lane. Damage to electric cables.
19/01/1941 21.00 Nevendon 1 – H.E. exploded in a field 300 yards East of
Nevendon Hall Farm and 300 yards South of Arterial Road. No damage or casualties.
19/01/1941 21.05 Pitsea I.Bs (about 40) burnt out on Marsh land near the
Reclaimation Coy Limited works. No damage or casualties.
19/01/1941 22.00 Great Damage to ceilings and windows at “Corduville
Wakering Villa” High Street by nose cap of A.A. Shell. Also damage by shrapnel to roof of Methodist Chapel. No casualties.
20/01/1941 02.05 Hutton I.Bs (a number) burnt out on open ground in
vicinity of L.N.E.R. Brands Farm and Petrol storage dump, Wash Lane.
21/01/1941 10.45 South Weald 1 – A.A. exploded Shell at Coxtie Green Farm.
Slight damage to cowshed. No casualties.
21/01/1941 15.00 Pitsea An enemy plane flew low over the district and
machine gunned indiscriminately. No casualties. Damage to bungalow.
21/01/1941 15.55 Billericay 16 – H.Es 15 exploded and 1 unexploded and a
number of I.Bs in fields opposite Ardleighs Garage at Harts Corner. One heavy H.E. exploded near Cullis’ Sheet Metal Factory South Green. 1 soldier killed, 2 soldiers and 3 civilians injured. Extensive damage to factory and other property. Telephone and electric cables down. Water main damaged. (Unexploded removed by B.D.S).
22/01/1941 Hutton 1 – H.E. unexploded found behind military hut on
Brands Farm, Wash Lane. No damage or casualties (believed to have fallen 20.1.41).
22/01/1941 Laindon 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell on footpath 150 yards
East of Church Road. No damage or casualties. (disposed of B.D.S. 4.2.41).
24/01/1941 12.00 East Horndon A white balloon 8 feet diameter deflated
found in a wood 1/2 mile West of East Horndon roundabout.
29/01/1941 20.00 South Weald 1 – H.E exploded on grass verge opposite 38
Wealdside Cottage. Telephone wires and water main damaged. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
29/01/1941 20.30 Mountnessing 3 – H.Es exploded, 2 in fields called Thoby
Fields North East of Mountnessing Mill and 1 in field North Corner House Café, Burnthouse Lane. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
29/01/1941 20.50 Great Warley 2 – H.Es exploded in fields 1/4 mile North of
Stoney Hills Farm. Slight damage to 2 houses. No casualties.
29/01/1941 21.00 Downham 3 – H.Es exploded in fields 200 yards from De
Beauvoir’s Arms. No damage or casualties.
29/01/1941 21.30 Downham 2 – H.Es exploded in fields 600 yards East of White
Lillies Farm. No damage or casualties.
30/01/1941 13.30 Wickford 2 – H.Es exploded, 1 200 yards South of A.127 and
1 exploded 150 yards East of Pipps Hill. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
30/01/1941 13.45 Pitsea 1 – H.E. exploded and about 50 I.Bs burnt out 300
yards East of Sea Transport Depot and Sewerage Works. 1 ewe killed and overhead electric cables down.
30/01/1941 16.30 Laindon 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell fell in the garden of
“Rosena” Borthwick Drive. No damage or casualties. (dealt with by B.D.S. 6.2.41).
31/01/1941 11.15 Herongate 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in the garden of
“Woodlands” Blind Lane. No damage or casualties. (Dealt with by B.D.S. 24.2.41).
Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service December 1940.
Date Time Location Damage
01/12/1940 23.15 Pilgrims 1 – H.E exploded in a field at junction Coxtie Green
Hatch Road and Wheelers Lane. Considerable damage to property. Poultry killed. Water main damaged. Overhead Telephone wires down. Road blocked (open 2nd).
02/12/1940 20.15 Doddinghurst 2 – H.Es, 1 exploded on edge of wood near
Rilston Lodge Church Lane. Damage to property, 14 persons rendered homeless, 1 unexploded in a drained pond between Solid Lane and Cottages, near Wacketts Farm. No casualties.
04/12/1940 21.00 Billericay Damage to lamp standard on Southend Road and
buildings at Southend Farm by drifting Barrage Balloon.
04/12/1940 21.20 Rochford 2 – H.Es unexploded, 1 on Golf Course and 1 200
yards North West of Westborrow Hall (exploded 9.12.40) No damage or casualties.
04/12/1940 21.30 Hullbridge 10 – H.Es exploded at Poolehurst Farm, Cracknells
Farm and Kingsland Farm. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
04/12/1940 21.55 Coxtie Green 2 – H.Es, 1 exploded and 1 unexploded at back of
Coxtie Green House. White Horse Road. Road closed (open after 96 hours). Damage to property. Telephone wires down. No casualties. D.B.S. 7.2.41.
04/12/1940 22.30 Rayleigh Drifting Barrage Balloon fouled the Overhead
electric cables at Little Wakering drifting in a South Easterly direction and caught on a pylon at Wheatleys Farm and burnt. Wires and ropes and gear salvaged.
04/12/1940 22.55 Ingrave 3 – H.Es unexploded, 1 in field opposite Womens
Institute Dunnings Lane, 2 in Thorndon Park between 10th fairway and Lake, (1 exploded in a plantation the 5th). No damage or casualties.
05/12/1940 15.00 Billericay 1 – H.E. unexploded in a field 200 yards East of
Cox Farm Road. Green Lane. (exploded 31.12.40 by B.D.S.) No damage or casualties.
05/12/1940 21.30 Hockley 8 – I.Bs on Marshes 350 yards North of Beckney
Farm. No damage or casualties.
08/12/1940 18.55 Rayleigh 10 – I.Bs fell on open ground and burnt out at St
Walter Rayleigh Drive, Victoria Road, Station Crescent, Lancaster Road, Highfield Crescent and Barranting Square. No damage or casualties.
08/12/1940 21.25 East 1 – H.E exploded in a field at rear of Meadow
Horndon House 200 yards South of A.127. No damage or casualties.
08/12/1940 21.30 Herongate 30 – I.Bs on The Elms, Elm Cottage, Herongate
House and The Poplars and about 26 on op ground. Damage to property. No casualties.
08/12/1940 22.35 Canvey I.Bs (a number) fell in the vicinity Long Road.
Island Damage at Green Stores and June Villa, Long Road. Damage to property. No casualties.
09/12/1940 00.05 Childerditch 1 – H.E exploded in Brickfields Road 30 yards
North of Arterial Road. No damage or casualties.
09/12/1940 00.15 Langdon 2 – H.Es, 1 exploded and 1 unexploded near West
Hills Ham Sanatorium Dry Street. Unexploded in Orchard 200 yards East of buildings. No damage or casualties. B.D.S. 22.3.41.
09/12/1940 01.00 Foulness 2 – H.Es exploded in narrow gut creek, Rushley
Island Island 3/4 mile East of The Island Farm House. No damage or casualties.
09/12/1940 01.10 Doddinghurst I.Bs (a number) fell in the vicinity of
Woodlands Blackmore near Hendersons Garage. No damage or casualties.
09/12/1940 01.35 Hadleigh 1 – H.E exploded in centre of Park Chase London
Road, 6 slight casualties. Extensive damage to property. Gas main damaged (S.L.T. 21.12.40)
09/12/1940 01.35 Crays Hill I.Bs (a number) approx. 100 fell on open ground at
Crays Hill Farm. No damage or casualties.
09/12/1940 01.45 Doddinghurst 2 – H.Es exploded, 1 in field near Wantz
Cottages and 1 H.E. and 1 Oil I.B. in vicinity of “Red House” Poultry Farm, slight damage to 2 Poultry houses. No casualties.
09/12/1940 02.00 Ramsden 3 – H.Es unexploded, 1 at DeBeauvoir’s Farm
Bell House (exploded at 08.00) 1 South of Railway lines (exploded at 09.55) causing damage to Railway Embankment. Up track closed. And 1 at DeBeauvoir’s Farm 400 yards East of Farm. Slight damage to property. No casualties. (Railway line open 10.12.40).
09/12/1940 02.00 Crays Hill 2 – H.Es, 1 exploded 250 yards West of St Marys
Church and unexploded 10 yards from crater (exploded 11.12.40) Slight damage to property. No casualties.
09/12/1940 04.10 Hadleigh 1 – H.E. exploded in road outside School House.
The Avenue. Damage to four houses, gas main damaged. Telephone wires down. The Avenue blocked (S.L.T. 21st).
09/12/1940 04.10 Crays Hill 1 – H.E exploded in a field 10 yards from A.129
and 300 yards Billericay side of Whiteridge. No damage or casualties.
09/12/1940 04.30 Vange 2 – H.Es exploded in fields 40 yards South of High
Street and 100 yards West of Vange Church. Extensive damage to property. Telephone wires down. No casualties.
09/12/1940 04.30 Little 1 – H.E. exploded in a field between Sudburys
Burstead Farm and Blind Lane. No damage or casualties.
09/12/1940 06.30 Canvey 7 – H.Es, 4 unexploded in river in front of West
Island Point, Thorney Bay (3 exploded at 16.50 hrs, 1 remaining) and 3 exploded near Southend Water Works emergency Pumping Station Haven Road. Pumping Station badly damaged. Water supply not affected. No casualties.
09/12/1940 08.38 Foulness 3 – H.Es exploded and 15 I.Bs burnt out on Wick
Island Farm. No damage or casualties.
11/12/1940 20.30 Mountnessing 1 – H.E unexploded in Lodge field, Thoby
Lane. No damage or casualties.
11/12/1940 20.49 North I.Bs (a number) burnt out in fields at North Benfleet
Benfleet Hall Farm. No damage or casualties.
11/12/1940 21.00 Wickford 2 – H.Es exploded in a field North West of Wantz
Corner, Chelmsford Road. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
12/12/1940 Rayleigh Parachute of a flare found in a field near Crow Hill.
Now at Rayleigh Police Station.
12/12/1940 02.15 Paglesham 14 – H.Es exploded, 1 on East Hall Road. Closed
(open 13.12.40) 2 beside East Hall Road, 5 on South Hall Farm. 4 at Church Hall Farm and 2 on East Hall Farm. No damage or casualties.
12/12/1940 21.10 Mountnessing 4 – H.Es, 2 exploded and 2
unexploded in Moat field off Church Lane. No damage or casualties.
12/12/1940 22.27 Mountnessing 3 – H.Es, 2 exploded in a field on
McCheyne’s Farm and 1 unexploded in 2nd meadow North West of Great Cowbridge Grange Farm. No damage or casualties. Disposed of B.D.S. 17.12.40.
13/12/1940 02.52 Canvey 6 – H.Es exploded in the River Thames 100 yards
Island East of Oil Wharf Jetty. No damage or casualties.
13/12/1940 19.50 Canvey 1 Parachute mine exploded in mid-air between
Island Canvey and the Kent Coast. No damage or casualties.
13/12/1940 Rayleigh Parachute flare found in field near Crow Hill (taken
by R****
14/12/1940 01.55 Sutton 2 Parachute mines, 1 exploded 400 yards North
and 1exploded 500 yards West of Beauchamps Farm Shopland. No casualties. Considerable damage to property. Parachute of 1 mine at Rochford Police Station.
14/12/1940 01.55 Paglesham 2 Parachute mines, 1 exploded on South Hall
Marshes and 1 unexploded on Hare Marshes. Slight damage to property. Unexploded removed to Portsmouth 16th by Military.
14/12/1940 09.40 Little Warley 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell found in a field 200
yards East of Hall Lane. No damage or casualties.
14/12/1940 18.18 Canvey 10 – H.Es exploded, 1 on “Beachville” Clinton
Island Road, HQ of 96th Light A.A. Battery R.A. extensive damage to property. 1 soldier fatal casualty. Military hut fired. Underground telephone cables and telegraph pole damaged and 9 exploded in fields North and South of Canvey Road in line from Cooks Farm to Clinton Road. S.L.T. on Canvey Road B.1014. (open 14.12.40).
15/12/1940 20.08 Foulness 7 – H.Es exploded North West of Church End on
Island Nazewick Farm. No damage or casualties.
15/12/1940 20.20 Canvey 2 – H.Es exploded and 1 Oil I.B. burnt out in the
Island River Thames 500 yards off Scars Elbow Fort. No damage or casualties.
17/12/1940 Paglesham 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in orchard of East Hall.
No damage or casualties.
17/12/1940 Dunton 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in centre Verge opposite
telegraph pole 328, Arterial Road. No casualties. (Disposed of by B.D.S. 30/12/40).
20/12/1940 21.10 Great Warley 1 – H.E exploded in field 80 yards West of District
Nurses house. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
20/12/1940 23.55 Basildon 2 – H.Es, 1 exploded and 1 unexploded on Honey
Pot Lane. The unexploded H.E. exploded at 11.30 the 21st, causing two casualties (slight) both Wardens. Extensive damage to property, water main and telephone wires (Wardens names Norman and Clements) Road open 17.1.41.
21/12/1940 05.45 Creeksea Segt Hazlegrove and Pte Haige of the Duke of
Wellington Regt. Stationed at Hawkwell were taking part in manoeuvres at Creeksea when they walked across land mines buried in the ground on land which was fenced off running parallel with Creeksea Road, 1 mine exploded and they were both practically blown to pieces.
23/12/1940 19.45 Ingrave 7 – H.Es exploded and about 100 I.Bs burnt out in
Thorndon Park in vicinity of Hatch Farm, 1 in garden of Rushbottom Cottage Rectory Lane. Damage to property, 2 Salmonds Farm (damage to property) 2 Willows Farm, 1 dairy Farm and 1 at Fouchers Farm. No casualties.
23/12/1940 Brentwood 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in garden of Curressys,
Ongar Road. No damage or casualties. (Disposed of by B.D.S. 24.1.41).
23/12/1940 Brentwood 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in grounds of “Learigg”,
Cornslands. No damage or casualties. B.D.S. 26.2.41.
27/12/1940 20.18 Hockley 1 – H.E. exploded at junction of Greensword Lane
and Lower Road. No damage or casualties.
27/12/1940 20.30 Little Warley 1 – H.E. exploded at entrance of Codham Hall
Lane. The lane is partly blocked by debris. No casualties. (Lane open 29.12.40).
27/12/1940 20.40 South Weald Windows broken at The Chequers P.H. by mine
exploding at Navestock.
27/12/1940 20.40 Barling 2 – H.Es exploded, 1 at Shoulderstick Hall and 1 at
& Sutton Beauchamps Farm house. Damage to property. Aeroplane trip wires down. No casualties.
27/12/1940 21.00 Little Warley I.Bs (about 100) burnt out at junction of Hall Lane
and Arterial Road. Slight damage to property And about 1 ton of hay destroyed in a stack. No casualties.
27/12/1940 21.00 Hockley 1 – I.B. burnt out in a ditch at Marylands Wood.
No damage or casualties.
27/12/1940 21.00 Great 9 – H.Es exploded in line 100 yards North West of
Burstead Barleylands Sewerage Works. No damage or casualties.
27/12/1940 21.01 Billericay I.Bs (a number) burnt out in fields 400 yards West
of Barleylands House. No damage or casualties.
27/12/1940 21.12 Buttsbury 1 Parachute mine exploded 200 yards South East
of Shoulder Hall. Slight damage to Shoulder Hall. No casualties.
27/12/1940 21.13 Billericay 1 Parachute mine exploded 50 yards North of
“Stricklands” Buckwyns Estate. Damage to 8 houses. No casualties.
27/12/1940 Night South 1 – Parachute mine unexploded in garden of
Fambridge “Greenways” Fambridge Road. Tail cap found 1/2 mile from River. Fambridge Road closed. (Rendered safe by Admiralty 29.12.40) Road open ( Rest of entry missing on original).
27/12/1940 21.40 Canewdon 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in a field 30 yards West
of Lion House. No damage or casualties.
27/12/1940 Ashingdon 1 – Parachute mine unexploded on Marshes 400
yards South of Ashingdon School (Rendered harmless by Admiralty 29.12.40).
28/12/1940 Coxtie Green Harley Cottage in lane nr Eagle Inn. Roof serious
and 12 panes of glass broken from blast and debris from H.E. exploded by B.D.S. during afternoon.
29/12/1940 18.30 Pitsea 2 – H.Es, 1 exploded in garden of “The Sheilings”
Rectory Road. Slight damage to property and 1 unexploded in a field 40 yards from Rectory Road. B.1011 closed (H.E. exploded 3.1.41 road open. Damage to 12 houses and shops.) No casualties.
29/12/1940 19.30 Brentwood 1 – A.A. Shell exploded on Ingrave Road opposite
“Rannock” 200 yards South of 3 Arch Bridge. Slight damage to property and road. No casualties.
Air Raid Damage Reports Brentwood Division Essex Fire Service November 1940.
Date Time Location Damage
01/11/1940 05.30 Foulness The body of a German Airman found on the
Island foreshore at Asplins Head. Not in water for more than 12 hours. Bullet wound in face. Unter Offizier. Identity Disc 53624/22. Papers on body cannot be read. Removed to Southend Municipal Hospital Rochford.
01/11/1940 09.00 Great The door of an aeroplane found in a field at Wick
Wakering Farm 250 yards South East of farm. Number 0880299 in white paint inside frame. Colour Grey-Green paint with 3 mica panels one is reinforced with sheet metal.
01/11/1940 19.00 South 4 – H.Es exploded 300 yards to rear of St. Vincents
Weald Hamlet on McTurks land. No damage or casualties.
01/11/1940 19.00 Rayleigh 3 – H.Es, 1 H.E. exploded and 1 Oil I.B. burnt out
in a field 400 yards North of Charlie’s Café and 300 yards South of Railway lines and 2 H.Es exploded in a field 300 yards South East of Wheatleys Farm. No damage or casualties.
01/11/1940 South 1 – I.B. burnt out in a field between Vicarage Lane
Weald and Weald Road. No damage or casualties.
01/11/1940 Hutton 1 – H.E. unexploded at Stud Farm 200 yards North
of Rayleigh Road, opposite the Maltings. No damage or casualties. B.D.S. 17.5.41
01/11/1940 21.45 Billericay 4 – H.Es exploded, 2 near Cottages Ramsden
Heath Road, 50 yards East of junction of Outwood Common Road and 2 H.Es exploded and 2 Oil I.Bs burnt out in fields off Ramsden Heath Road. No damage or casualties.
01/11/1940 23.45 Ramsden 1 – H.E. exploded in a field 300 yards North West
Heath of Searchlight Station. No damage or casualties.
01/11/1940 23.50 Mountnessing 1 – Oil I.B. burnt out in a field 30 yards to
rear of “Woodview” Old Church Lane. No damage or casualties.
01/11/1940 North 2 – H.Es exploded, 1 in middle of A.127 500 yards
Benfleet East of Bonvilles Farm and 1 in field 300 yards East of Bonvilles Farm. Down track of A.127 blocked. No casualties.
02/11/1940 19.45 Vange I.Bs (about 100) on Marshes 1/4 mile South West
of Goldings Farm. No damage, 1 regular Fireman seriously injured.
02/11/1940 20.00 Mountnessing 2 – H.E exploded, 1 is 100 yards West of
Lawness Farm opposite Shoulder Hall and 1 is 100 yards North on side of road to Buttsbury Road. Road blocked. Gas main damaged. No casualties.
02/11/1940 20.05 Billericay I.Bs (a number) in fields in the Vicinity of Little
Blunts Farm and Queens Park Estate. No damage or casualties.
02/11/1940 20.30 South 2 – H.Es, 1 exploded and 1 unexploded in the back
Benfleet garden of 253 Philmead Road (unexploded 15 yards from house). No damage or casualties.
02/11/1940 20.30 East 1 – H.E. exploded in Ingrave Meadow at South
Horndon West corner of Moor Lane crossroads. Overhead electric cables down near pole 142. Damage to property. No casualties.
02/11/1940 20.30 Canvey 4 – H.Es exploded in fields at Pantiles Farm
Island between Northwick and Benfleet Creek, 3 sheep killed.
02/11/1940 20.55 Bowers 8 – H.Es exploded in fields between Bowers Hall
Gifford Farm and Little Kelvedon Hall and 1 in Kelly Road, 10 houses damaged. Telephone wires down, no casualties.
02/11/1940 21.30 Hutton 18 – H.Es, 1 is unexploded. All between Cresseys
Farm and Hanging Hill Lane junction with Ridgeway. The unexploded is 1/4 mile from Cresseys Farm near a pond. No damage or casualties.
02/11/1940 22.20 Foulness 8 – H.Es exploded in fields, 6 at Creist Wood Farm
Island and 2 at Rushwood Farm. No damage or casualties.
04/11/1940 11.00 Great 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in a field 500 yards
Wakering South of Little Wakering Hall, on surface. No damage or casualties.
04/11/1940 19.45 Ramsden 2 – H.Es exploded in fields off Mill Lane. No
Heath damage or casualties.
04/11/1940 20.15 Vange 9 – H.Es exploded in fields between Kingswood
Hall Farm and an orchard Bell Hill. No damage or casualties.
04/11/1940 20.24 Vange 1 – H.E. exploded in a field 300 yards from front of
Clay Hill Garage. No damage or casualties.
04/11/1940 20.40 North 13 – H.Es exploded, 1 at Rose Cottage, Hovefields
Benfleet Avenue. The remainder East part of junction Goodwins Lane and Basildon Road. Damage to property, no casualties.
04/11/1940 20.45 Great 5 – H.Es exploded in fields and gardens of houses
Burstead in Kennel Lane. Damage to property. No casualties.
04/11/1940 21.25 Ingrave 12 – H.Es exploded on Thorndon Park Golf
Course. No damage or casualties.
05/11/1940 03.15 Langdon 4 – H.Es exploded, 1 in High Road opposite Park
Hills Avenue, 1 at junction of Park Avenue and Nightingale Avenue, 1 in the garden of “Amy” Park Avenue, 1 in the garden of “Homestead” Butles Green. Water and gas mains damaged. 8 houses slightly and 5 seriously damaged. S.L.T. on High Road, B.1007. No casualties.
05/11/1940 04.55 Pilgrims 8 – H.Es, 7 exploded and 1 unexploded in fields
Hatch 800 yards North of Orchard Farm and 800 yards East of Ashwells Farm. The unexploded is on Kings strip of land. No damage or casualties.
05/11/1940 05.08 Potton 2 – H.Es exploded in fields 1 mile North East
Island of Potton Farm, 30 yards apart. No damage or
casualties.
05/11/1940 05.20 Laindon 5 – H.Es exploded and 1 Oil I.B. burnt out, 4 H.Es
in Wash Lane, 1 H.E. and 1 Oil I.B. near Pipps Hill, 200 yards North of Lee Chapel Lane on footpath. Telephone cables down, water and gas mains damaged. Sewer damaged. Road closed, no casualties.
05/11/1940 05.20 Basildon 1 – H.E. unexploded and 1 Oil I.B. burnt out. The
unexploded is on the West side of Pipps Hill 200 yards South of A.127. The Oil I.B. is opposite. Road blocked from A.127 to Basildon. No damage or casualties.
05/11/1940 05.30 Basildon 3 – H.Es exploded in fields West of “Endersley”
Church Road. No damage or casualties.
05/11/1940 South 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell 100 yards South of Drive
Weald and 100 yards from entrance of Weald Hall. No
damage or casualties.
05/11/1940 15.00 Pitsea 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in garden of “Warden”
Lillie Avenue. No damage or casualties.
05/11/1940 15.00 Laindon 2 – H.Es exploded, 1 at Ronald Avenue (direct hit
on Anderson shelter) and 1 in a field off Markham Chase. Considerable damage to property. No casualties.
05/11/1940 15.15 Laindon German Messerschmitt 109 crashed and blew up
in a field 400 yards South of Fortune of War crossroads, at rear of Essex Tool Factory. Machine totally wrecked. Pilot Officer Joham Illner bailed out, but injured. Rank Feldwebel. Identity Number B.65176. Born 21.2.11 at Ndufladt Wier. Conveyed to Billericay Hospital with dislocated knee.
05/11/1940 16.59 Laindon 14 – H.Es exploded in vicinity of Dunton Wayletts,
7 North of A.127 West of Dunton Crossing, 4 in field North of A.127, 2 South of Dunton Road, 1 on cycle track South of A.127. Road A.127 blocked, 6 slight casualties. Gas main fired, overhead electric cables down, 2 bungalows demolished, 4 houses and a Cafe slightly damaged (Road open 7/11/40).
05/11/1940 18.15 Ingrave 1 – H.E. exploded in a field at Salmons Farm, 600
yards to rear of School Lane Cottages. No damage or casualties.
05/11/1940 18.50 Ingrave 4 – H.Es exploded, 2 on footpath of allotments
opposite Ingrave Post Office, 1 about 60 yards to rear of row of Red Brick Cottages and 1 in field by Clemoes Farm, Thorndon Park. No damage or casualties.
05/11/1940 19.15 Raweth 5 – H.Es exploded on Marshes 1/2 mile North West
of Highlands Farm. No damage or casualties.
05/11/1940 20.00 Childerditch 1 – H.E. exploded on Childerditch Common near
the forked roads. No damage or casualties.
06/11/1940 11.34 Langdon “Alexander Lodge” Victoria Avenue, “Ivanhoe”
Hills “Ivydene” “The Poplars” and “Summerside” Albert Road. Roofs damaged by shrapnel. No casualties.
06/11/1940 17.00 Little Warley 4 – H.Es exploded in a field at rear of Brickworks.
No damage or casualties.
06/11/1940 22.45 Laindon 12 – I.Bs burnt out in gardens of houses of High
Bank Estate. No damage or casualties.
07/11/1940 01.00 East 2 – H.Es exploded and 50 I.Bs burnt out in fields on
Horndon South side of Arterial Road and 1/4 mile East of Little Warley crossroads. Considerable damage to property. No casualties.
07/11/1940 01.05 Laindon 6 – I.Bs burnt out in fields at Dunton Hall Farm. No
damage or casualties.
07/11/1940 19.15 Ingrave 1 – H.E. unexploded in a field at rear of Lapwater
Hall. No damage or casualties. (disposed of B.D.S. 5.12.40).
07/11/1940 19.30 Thundersley 1 – H.E. exploded 150 yards South of “Ellesmere”
June Road. No damage or casualties.
07/11/1940 19.40 Wickford 17 – H.Es unexploded in fields and gardens in the
vicinity of Waterworks Road. Road damaged and losed. 1 60 yards North West and 1 500 yards West of Pumping Station. No casualties. (Disposed of 2.1.41).
07/11/1940 19.45 South 7 – H.Es, 6 exploded at Boyce Hill Golf Club,
Benfleet Vicarage Hill Cottage, St Marys Drive “Cleveland” Essex Way “Waincourt” St Marys Drive and 1 unexploded “Hillside View” St Marys Drive. Essex Way and St Marys Drive closed. Damage to property. No casualties. (Unexploded disposed of roads open 29.11.40).
07/11/1940 19.55 Canvey 9 – H.Es exploded, 1 at 5 Waterside Cottages and
Island 8 in Dyke West of Waterside Farm. Damage to property. No casualties.
07/11/1940 20.10 South Weald 10 – H.Es exploded between Grove Farm Brook
Street and Sewerage Works Nags Head Lane. Grove Farm partly demolished, 4 slight casualties.
07/11/1940 20.10 South Weald 1 – H.E. exploded in Scroggles field 3/4 mile North
East of Grove Farm. No damage or casualties.
08/11/1940 06.45 Foulness 10 – H.Es exploded 200 yards South East of
Island Church End. No damage or casualties.
08/11/1940 15.50 Thundersley British Spitfire caught fire in the air crashed and
burnt out at Oakleigh Poultry Farm Thundersley Common. Sergt. Pilot of Hornchurch safe. Machine Number Z.D.H.N. 3164 from 222 Squadron R.A.F. Hornchurch (not due to enemy action).
09/11/1940 04.00 Billericay 4 – H.Es exploded 2 in fields and 1 near
outbuildings of Stocklands Farm and 1 near moving Nathams bungalow of foundations. Chimney stack in dangerous position. Extensive damage to property. No casualties.
09/11/1940 04.00 Mountnessing 7 – H.Es, 6 exploded and 1 unexploded in
fields 150 yards to rear of Mountnessing Hall Farm. Slight damage. No casualties.
09/11/1940 19.00 Billericay 19 – H.Es, 1 is unexploded in fields behind
bungalows North of Potash Lane, from Stock to Ramsden Roads. The unexploded one is 300 yards North East of Thornhill and 75 yards behind Potash Lane. (Disposed of B.D.S. 21.12.40) No damage or casualties.
09/11/1940 19.45 East 25 – H.Es, 24 exploded in fields in line between
Horndon 300 yards South of B’cay-B’wood Road Herongate, from rear of Old Dog P.H. to rear of Boars Head P.H. 1 is unexploded 250 yards South East of Col. Laurie’s house near the hunting gate. No damage or casualties.
10/11/1940 19.15 South Weald 1 – H.E. exploded by side of Weald Road between
Spital Lane and Tower Arms. Road dangerous. No casualties.
10/11/1940 20.55 South Weald 10 – H.Es exploded in fields at Weald Park and
Frieze Hall Farm. Damage to property and water main. No casualties.
10/11/1940 21.20 Little Warley 3 – H.Es exploded between Little Warley Hall and
Railway in fields off Hall Lane 1/4 mile South of Arterial Road. Hall Lane partly blocked. Slight damage to property by blast. No casualties.
11/11/1940 Great Warley 1 – H.E. unexploded in South West corner of
Holden Wood 600 yards West of The Rustlings. No damage or casualties.
11/11/1940 18.52 Canvey I.Bs (a number) in fields between Scars Elbow
Island and Kynoch Hotel. No damage or casualties.
11/11/1940 23.00 Billericay 2 – H.Es exploded, 1 near Gatwick House and 1 in
Mill Fields at entrance of Watts Farm. No damage or casualties.
12/11/1940 08.35 Foulness Barrage Balloon grounded and secured at Asplins
Island Head. RAF Rochford in charge.
12/11/1940 18.45 Doddinghurst 2 – H.Es exploded 1 in field of Metsons Farm,
Crow Green Lane and 1 in a field of Dagwood Farm Dagwood Lane. No damage or casualties.
12/11/1940 20.40 Sutton 8 – H.Es, 4 exploded, 2 in field at Butlers Farm and
2 200 yards East of Fleet Hall. 4 are unexploded on Creek side of sea wall. Damage to property at Fleet Hall and Butlers Farm. No casualties. (unexploded dealt with by B.D.S. 6.12.40).
12/11/1940 20.50 South Weald 2 – H.Es exploded on Botany Field McTurks land at
back of Maylands Golf Course opposite 13th hole. No damage or casualties.
13/11/1940 06.00 Little 2 – H.Es, 1 unexploded at Hope House. No
Burstead damage or casualties. (Unexploded reported as exploded B.D.S. 3.12.40).
13/11/1940 07.00 Pitsea 8 – H.Es exploded and 1 Oil I.B. burnt out at
Smoky Farm, 1 mile North East of Land Reclamation Works Limited. Damage to property. No casualties.
13/11/1940 21.15 Bowers 5 – H.Es exploded in line from 200 yards East of
Gifford Pound Lane and 6 yards North from London Road to 100 yards East of Church Road. Damage to property at Bowers Gifford cottages. No casualties.
13/11/1940 21.15 Bowers 4 – H.Es exploded and 1 Oil I.B. burnt out on
Gifford Marshes. No damage or casualties.
13/11/1940 Brentwood 1 – A.A unexploded Shell on path of 12 Elm Way
Westwood Park Estate. No damage or casualties.
14/11/1940 12.45 Brentwood 1 – A.A unexploded Shell in garden of 24
Kavanagh Road. No damage or casualties.
14/11/1940 South 1 – H.E. unexploded in the garden of “Thorndene”
Benfleet Benfleet Road. Road B.1014 closed from Water Tower to Shipwrights Drive. No damage or casualties. (considered safe by B.D.S. 15.11.40 road open).
14/11/1940 20.40 Little 5 – H.Es exploded in fields of Bulless Farm. Slight
Burstead damage to property. No casualties.
14/11/1940 20.40 Crays Hill 3 – H.Es exploded in fields 100 yards North of Vine
Cottages Borwick Land. No damage or casualties.
14/11/1940 20.50 Herongate 11 – H.Es exploded 100 yards Billericay side of
Dunton Corner Dunton Road, 2 East side of road, 1 North of road, 1 on road, 5 in field opposite Dunton Lodge, 1 in Orchard of Broad View and 1 at rear of Swallows. Billericay Road blocked S.L.T. 16th inst. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
15/11/1940 03.15 Mountnessing 19 – H.Es exploded in the vicinity of
Lawness Farm, in line South West from point 300 yards North East of junction of Mountnessing Road with Buckwins Lane to Little Cowbridge Grange Farm at junction with road to Chelmsford S.L.T. on Mountnessing Road. No casualties. Road open 15.30 hrs the 15th inst.
15/11/1940 14.10 Laindon German bailed out and landed at Laindon.
The plane a ME109 crashed at Horndon-on-the-Hill Grays Division. Name Feldwell Otto Yaros 29 years. Taken to Billericay Station.
15/11/1940 18.50 Rochford British Bolton and Paul Defiant two seater fighter
crashed on the Golf Course 500 yards South of Rochford Church when attempting to land. Machine completely burnt out. Pilot safe. Gunner received slight burns.
15/11/1940 19.53 North 2 – Parachute mines. 1 exploded 200 yards from
Benfleet junction A.127 and East end of Old Harrows Road and 1 unexploded in a field 150 yards South of Twiggs Garage 400 yards East of Harrows P.H. on South side of A.127. Road closed between Rayleigh Wier and Nevendon Cricketers P.H. 12 houses, a school and garage damaged. No casualties (Unexploded destroyed by Admiralty by burning) Pound Lane open 10.12.40.
15/11/1940 20.15 Billericay 12 – H.Es 11 exploded in fields in line 250 yards
West of New Lodge Tye Common Road North West to London Road A.129. 5 houses a garage in London Road. Outbuildings at Blunts Wall Farm damaged. 7 cows killed and 3 injured. Telephone wires down, 1 unexploded in a field at Gt Cowbridge Grange North of London Road and 200 yards West of track to the Grange.
15/11/1940 20.55 South Weald 6 – H.Es exploded in a field opposite the 12th hole.
Maylands Golf Course at side of Oak Wood. No damage or casualties.
15/11/1940 South Weald 1 – H.E. unexploded in the Ride between Oak and
Fir Woods 1 1/2 miles South of Keepers Lodge at rear of Vicarage. No damage or casualties. B.D.S. 23.5.41.
15/11/1940 21.55 South Weald I.Bs (a number) near Oak Wood Vicarage Lane.
No damage or casualties.
16/11/1940 02.54 Shenfield 5 – H.Es exploded in fields opposite Alwyn Avenue
North of A.12. No damage or casualties.
16/11/1940 17.30 Foulness The body of a German Airman found on the
Island foreshore of Haven Gore. Name Gefr. Tonny Boschen, born 10.9.19 at Braman. Body not in water for more than 48 hours. Neck broken, bullet hole in elbow of right arm. (During the morning of 15th a German bomber dived into the Thames and the body is believed to be one of the crew). Moved to Southend Municipal Hospital Rochford. RAF Rochford took possession of property.
16/11/1940 18.30 Ramsden 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell 1/4 mile West of junction
Heath Mill Lane and Heath Road. No damage or casualties.
16/11/1940 19.30 Shenfield 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell on the cricket ground 30
yards from nearest house. No damage or casualties.
16/11/1940 19.50 Hawkwell 1 – I.B. burnt out in a field 200 yards East of
Nursery Corner. No damage or casualties.
16/11/1940 19.50 Hutton 5 – H.Es, 2 exploded in Cooks Nurseries, Rayleigh
Road, 1 unexploded in Flints field and 2 unexploded behind the Infirmary, Hutton Residential Schools. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
16/11/1940 19.55 Rayleigh 2 – I.Bs burnt out in a field 100 yards West of
Beckworth Farm Nelson Road. No damage or casualties.
16/11/1940 19.55 North 1 – I.B. burnt out near Fantons Hall. No damage or
Benfleet casualties.
16/11/1940 20.05 Great Tarpots 3 – H.Es exploded in fields at side of
Romsey Road. No damage or casualties.
16/11/1940 20.08 Hawkwell 1 – I.B. burnt out in a field near Hawkwell Farm.
No damage or casualties.
16/11/1940 20.10 Pitsea 3 – H.Es exploded 1, 50 yards West of junction
Pitsea and Station Road, 1 on Parkhurst Road, 15 yards from High Road and 1 in field at rear of Allens Fish shop. Damage to property. No casualties.
16/11/1940 20.10 Bowers 2 – H.Es exploded, 1 in field 60 yards South of
Gifford London Road and 75 yards East of Church Road and 1 in garden of Gifford House 50 yards South of London Road. No damage or casualties.
16/11/1940 20.45 Billericay 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in a field near “Gatwick
House” near Bell Hill. No damage or casualties.
17/11/1940 19.15 Canvey 7 – H.Es exploded in the River Thames off Scars
Island Elbow Fort. No damage or casualties.
17/11/1940 South Weald 2 – Parachute mines unexploded at Rochetts,
Weald Road (Rendered harmless and burnt by Military 19th). No damage or casualties.
19/11/1940 20.00 Little Damage to roof of “Nulli Secundus” Barrows Hall
Wakering Road by shrapnel. No casualties.
19/11/1940 21.00 Dunton 18 – H.Es exploded in the vicinity of Dunton
Crossing, 1 at side and 1 in centre of grass track of A.127. Remainder in fields at Calvers Farm in radius of 1/4 mile. 9 houses damaged, 2 seriously. Aeroplane trip wire down. 8 stone pig killed at Pleasant View Road. A.127 closed.
19/11/1940 23.00 Dunton 2 – H.Es exploded in field at rear of Dunton School,
Lower Road. Slight damage to school. No casualties.
20/11/1940 04.30 Paglesham 3 – H.Es exploded South of School. No damage or
casualties.
20/11/1940 05.25 South Weald 1 – A.A. unexploded at rear of Gilstead Hall.
Damage to property. No casualties. B.D.S. 21.5.41.
20/11/1940 05.30 Mountnessing 17 – H.Es, 4 exploded at rear of Gt.
Cowbridge Grange, Church Road and 200 yards from London Road at rear of sewerage works, also 1 unexploded in same position, 11 exploded and 1 unexploded on McCheyne’s Farm. No damage or casualties.
20/11/1940 19.30 Rochford British Bolton Paul Defiant crashed and completely
wrecked 1/4 mile East of Blatches Farm. Pilot Officer Hackwood and Flying Officer S. Storrie of 264th Squadron Rochford killed. No of plane 1626.
23/11/1940 06.25 Wickford 9 – H.Es exploded in vicinity of Brocks Hill.
Junction of Lindin & Chelmsford Roads blocked (open 29.11.40), 1 exploding on road. Gas main fired and sewer damaged, 4 houses slight damage. No casualties. Also 20 I.Bs burnt out in fields 3 miles South of Downham Garage.
24/11/1940 19.05 Great 2 – H.Es, 1 exploded in a field at White House
Wakering Lodge. Slight damage to property and 1 unexploded in a field 400 yards East of White House Lodge (Discredited B.D.S. 1.12.40) No casualties.
24/11/1940 19.25 Hutton 8 – H.Es near Collins Farm, 2 unexploded in a field
North West of and 6 exploded South East of Farm. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
24/11/1940 19.45 Brentwood 5 – H.Es, 3 exploded in Cromwell and Milton
Roads and 1 at junction Warley Mount and Headley Chase. Considerable damage to property and several persons suffering from shock and 2 unexploded, 1 at Lavenders Builders Yard and 1 at 11 Great Eastern Street. All roads mentioned blocked. (Open 25.11.40) Water and gas mains damaged and sewer fractured.
24/11/1940 19.50 Thundersley 5 – H.Es exploded, 1 in Waterworks field,
Grandview Road, 1 in field 500 yards North of Hart Road, 1 on “Strathmore” Hart Road. (House demolished) 3 persons killed, 1 150 yards North of “Strathmore” and 1 at “Hillcrest” Grandview Road (Hillcrest wrecked) considerable damage to other property. Overhead electric cables down. Gas and water damaged , 3 serious casualties at Hillcrest.
24/11/1940 Doddinghurst 1 – H.E. exploded in a field at Shops Farm. No
damage or casualties.
26/11/1940 Brentwood Nose cap of a shell fell in the garden 13 Fairfield
Road. No damage or casualties
26/11/1940 20.00 Little Warley 15 – I.Bs burnt out in fields near Homefields
Garage. No damage or casualties.
27/11/1940 06.40 Coxtie Green 9 – H.Es 8 exploded in fields at “Ditchleys” and 1
suspected unexploded on Coxtie Green Road East of junction with New Road. Road closed between New Road and Wheelers Road. (open 28th) Water main burst. Telephone wires down. No casualties.
27/11/1940 07.00 Little 18 – H.Es exploded in fields between Stockwell
Burstead Hall and Thorndon Park, behind Heron Hall. 11 of these are on the Ingrave beat, Blind Lane is partly blocked. No damage or casualties.
27/11/1940 07.40 Canvey 7 – H.Es exploded in the River Thames between
Island Hole Haven and The Kent Coast. No damage or casualties.
27/11/1940 19.20 South Weald 1 – H.E. exploded near Sewerage Works Romford
Division. Road closed from A.12 Brentwood Division and slight damage to property Brentwood Division. No casualties. Nags Head Lane Road open 15.12.40.
27/11/1940 22.15 South 5 – H.Es exploded, 4 in fields on South side of
Benfleet Chapmans Lane and 1 in garden of 449a Perry Street, 449a partly demolished. 449 demolished. No casualties.
28/11/1940 Little 6 – I.Bs burnt out in fields at Bowers Hall Farm. No
Wakering damage or casualties.
28/11/1940 Rochford 14 – I.Bs burnt out on the Aerodrome and Ann
Boleyn Estate. Slight damage to 2 dwelling houses. No casualties.
28/11/1940 09.39 Shenfield 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in bank near Shenfield
Railway Station, 18 yards East of Railway Bridge. No damage or casualties.
28/11/1940 14.10 Ingrave 1 – H.E. unexploded in Orchard of Thorndon Park.
No damage or casualties.
28/11/1940 21.50 Hadleigh I.Bs (a number) on Marsh land South of London
Road. No damage or casualties.
28/11/1940 23.40 Bowers 3 – H.Es 1 exploded West of farm buildings and 2
Gifford unexploded North West of building at Little Chalvedon Hall. No damage or casualties.
28/11/1940 Rochford 1 – A.A. unexploded Shell in a field North of
Temple Farm. No damage or casualties.
29/11/1940 01.50 Basildon 2 – H.Es exploded on Moores Poultry Farm and
Basildon Cottage Poultry Farm, 1 poultry house and 40 chickens killed at Moores Poultry Farm.
29/11/1940 19.30 Brentwood 8 – H.Es exploded in a field at rear of “Merrymead”
Sawyers Hall Lane. No damage or casualties.
29/11/1940 19.30 Shenfield 6 – H.Es exploded, 1 at junction A.12 and
Middleton Road, 2 at junction of Park Way and Priests Lane, 1 near “Ashdown” Hallwood Crescent, 1 at “Glendale” and 1 in field at rear of Bloomfield. Slight damage to property. No casualties.
29/11/1940 19.35 South Weald I.Bs (a number) between Spital Lane and Vicarage
Lane. No damage or casualties.
29/11/1940 19.45 Coxtie Green I.Bs ( a number) in fields between Red Lion Farm
and Stokes Farm. No damage or casualties.
29/11/1940 19.50 Basildon 6 – H.Es exploded in line from Vexek Poultry Farm
to Devonshire House Poultry Farm. No damage or casualties.
29/11/1940 21.45 Ramsden 2 – H.Es exploded 3/4 mile North of Lodge Farm.
Heath Considerable damage to greenhouses. No casualties.
29/11/1940 22.00 Great Warley 10 – H.Es exploded in fields at “Beredens”
Billericay beat. No damage or casualties.
29/11/1940 22.20 Paglesham 2 – H.Es exploded in fields 600 yards East of
Paglesham Hall. No damage or casualties.
29/11/1940 22.50 Great Warley 2 – H.Es exploded, 1 in garden of “The Crosses”
near “Goldings” and 1 near the North gate of Coombe Lodge. Considerable damage to property. No casualties.
