William Bell - 24th May 1943

Joyce Bell tells the story of her father-in-law William D K Bell. On the night of the 24th of May, 1943, the family were living in one of the following streets in South Shields: Moffett Street, Stainton Street or Stevenson Street. The house was bombed that night: "The house and their belongings were gone." Joyce continued the story:

"Their father, William D. K. Bell, a miner, also a part-time, ARP Rescue Warden was on duty that night and had just left after talking to his family and was killed at Moffett Street."

"The mother who was expecting a baby was in the yard shelter with her five children, ranging from 12 to three. When the door of the shelter fell inwards, the mother was taken to hospital where the baby, a boy was born and only lived for two weeks. The children were taken to a school for the night and were later given a house nearby in Westoe Road."

"Many years later my husband told me that when they were shepherded along the lane to go to the nearby school, they were two dead men propped up against the wall, possibly one of them was his own father."

"It was the last bombing raid of South Shields, 22 slightly injured, 24 seriously injured, 26 died including two children."

Attached are audio and transcription.