Midland Railway Station Bombing 1941

On the night of 15/16 January 1941, 50 high explosive bombs fell on Derby.

The Midland Station was hit along with several houses in the vicinity. The Derby Telegraph on 10 May 1945, in a look back on Derby at War, reported that 20 were killed, 48 injured and 1,650 houses damaged. However, only 14 are recorded on the Civilian Roll of Honour, which is kept in Westminster Abbey.

Derby Railway Station had 6 platforms, only No 1 platform was left useable after the bombing. At this time 350 trains a day passed through the station. If it hadn’t been for the action of Signalman Frank James halting a passenger train due to stop at No 6 platform the casualties would have been a great deal higher.

Those known to have been buried at Nottingham Road Cemetery are:

                Ronald Rowland 18, died at London Road.

                Rachel Percival 42, died at Offerton Avenue.

                Brenda Percival 16, died at Offerton Avenue.

                Edna Payne 20, injured at London Road, died Royal Infirmary.

                Harry Smith 25, died at LMS Station, LMS Police Constable.

                Florence Brewster 59, injured Madeley Street, died Royal Infirmary.

Three of those who died, no longer have headstones.

A further 8 people are buried elsewhere:

                Victor Farrington 32, died at LMS Station, Engineering Draughtsman.

                Gladys Foss 40, injured Kenilworth Avenue, died City Hospital.

                Sidney Foss 41, injured Kenilworth Avenue, died City Hospital.

                Arthur Hallows 62, died at LMS Station, Signal man.

                Christine Jones 9 months, injured Kenilworth Avenue, died City Hospital.

                Elsie Jones 25, injured Kenilworth Avenue, died City Hospital.

                Cecil Purser 40, died LMS Station, Home Guard.

                Christopher Snailham 33, died at LMS station.