Air Raid Warden Killed during Air Raid

Thomas John Moyle was an air raid warden during the Second World War. During the First World War, he served as a 'Stoker' in the Royal Navy on several ships.

Killed by Fall Into Area - Man's Accident During Air Raid

Found lying dead in a pool of blood in an area by the Town Hall building, Thomas John Moyle, age 41, a labourer, of Star Street, Paddington, was stated at a Paddington inquest on Friday, to have died from a fractured skull following a fall into the area.

Gomer Griffiths, of Star Street, a brother-in-law, said that Moyle had lived with him and worked for a firm in Edgware Road. He was formerly an A.R.P. worker in the demolition squad, for the Paddington Borough Council.

P.C. Gulliver, 7927, stated that on Saturday, October 5th, at 9.15 p.m., he was on duty in St. Mary's Square, Paddington Green, when he heard a noise as though someone was in pain. The groans came from an area at the back of the Town Hall. He flashed his lamp and then saw Moyle lying in the area in a pool of blood. There were railings at the side of the area, level with the roadway, and these were about 2ft. 6ins. high. The area was about 12 to 14ft. deep and was about 40ft. long. There was a gap of about 5ft. in the railings and he understood that a wooden guard rail had since been put there.

Armand Felix, an A.R.P. warden, said there was a shelter near the Town Hall and if Moyle had come out of the shelter in the darkness he would not be able to see the area.

Dr. I. Jackson, of St. Mary's Hospital, said that Moyle was admitted at 11.30 p.m., and his death was due to a fractured skull. There was nothing to indicate that the man had had an attack of giddiness.

The Coroner (Mr. Neville Stafford) said it seemed that Moyle had come out of the shelter and was groping his way through the darkness when he fell into the area. He recorded a verdict of "Accidental death."