gravestones of the Severalls Hospital Air Raid victims of August 1942
On 11th August 1942 a German air raid (which Berlin would later confirm to have targeted at Colchester and Hastings) destroyed part of the West side of Severalls Hospital. 38 patients were killed, mainly women. There were a total of 63 casualties, two of which were nurses.
28 of those killed by the four 500lb bombs dropped by the the Luftwaffe were buried at Colchester Cemetery. They were either patients classed as “infirm or senile” or local people.
In January 2016 I visited the graves of those killed in the air raid of August 1942 in an attempt to document the names of as many as I could. The dead are buried at Colchester Cemetery on Mersea Road. Most of the gravestones are now in very poor condition and therefore very difficult to read. However, I photographed each one in an attempt to document all of the victims for histories sake.
Anyone who may like to visit the graves of those who died during the air raid on Severalls Hospital can find the exact location of the gravestones here. It’s a shame to see the gravestones in such a poor state of repair.
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Very interesting, thank you.
I have been researching a lady called Ruth Cooper who was in Severalls in 1939 aged about 60, but have not been able to find her death recorded. Do you know of any records of Severalls and where they can be seen. Many thanks. Jill Landon
My great Grandmother Gladys May Wood was one of the poor ladies killed on 11th August 1942, she was 44 years old. Gladys' son is still alive he is 92 years old and it is only recently we discovered she was a patient at Severalls. Other than the 1939 census stating she was there and incapacitated we have struggled to find any records to understand how long she was there and why? We have also struggled to find any information as to where she was laid to rest. Sadly my Grandmother passed away having no knowledge of her mother but I feel I am in a race against time to give my great uncle some answers. I have really appreciated this site, so thank you and If anyone could give me any further guidance for information - I'd really appreciate it!
Sorry but I'm unable to help. Perhaps Essex County Council could assist?
Hi Carly, I am the great grand daughter of Eleanor Jane newson - 64, and one of the 38 killed. I live in Hove but I am from Chelmsford. It would appear we are the same path of research! I haven’t seen the 1939 census. Have you seen the role of honour at Colchester Town Hall?
Amanda Sagar
Hi Carly, I am the great grand daughter of Eleanor Jane newson - 64, and one of the 38 killed. I live in Hove but I am from Chelmsford. It would appear we are the same path of research! I haven’t seen the 1939 census. Have you seen the role of honour at Colchester Town Hall?
Amanda Sagar
Hello, I'm Lucian and I'm a student, I want to hear what he says about what happened after that war period I think you suffered a lot.