We regularly have a page in the Parish Magazine entitled 'Churchyard Tales' and September's issue features bombing in Goosemoor Lane. I've enclosed a copy and wonder if anyone can explain how the 3 men died together. I noticed that Alberta mentioned Jarvis Road and although this wasn't cut until the 60's there was a steam laundry nearby (where Cookes is now) maybe the were working there or on the allotments. I've got an idea that Enstone Road was also bombed but not sure which end.
Just tried to upload a scan of the document without success so will try copying and pasting below.
CHURCHYARD TALES
The Churchyard has been in the history of this Parish for over 150 years, and has become the final resting place to generations.
Here is one of its stories......
GEORGE JAMES HARRIS BERT HARRIS ALFRED JOHN GOODWIN
Died by Enemy Action – April 10th 1941
On 9th and 10th April 1941 Birmingham was subjected to two heavy raids by the Nazi German Luftwaffe.
In the first of these raids on 9th April 235 bombers dropped 280 tonnes of explosives and 40,000 incendiaries, concentrating on Birmingham City Centre, inflicting heavy damage on the areas of Birmingham Bull Ring, High Street and Dale End, and the surrounding areas of Small Heath, Aston and Nechells. St Martins in the Bull Ring was damaged and The Prince of Wales Theatre and Midland Arcade destroyed.
The Air Raid on 10th April 1941 began at 10:08pm and particularly targeted Fort Dunlop and Castle Bromwich (site of Castle Bromwich Aerodrome where most of Britain’s Spitfire fleet were built). During this second night 245 bombers dropped 245 tonnes of explosives and 43,000 incendiaries, causing major damage, widespread across Smethwick, Winson Green, Handsworth, Gravelly Hill, Castle Bromwich, Sheldon, Birmingham Airport, Solihull Lodge.
As a result of the two raids there were 1,121 casualties, some fatal.
George, Bert and Alfred were all related and lived close together on Goosemoor Lane Erdington. It is likely they worked together (due to their varying ages) maybe as some of the thousands involved in War Work. However records show they died at Goosemoor Lane, likely as the result of the bombing and where it is recorded there were other fatalities that night.
George (born: 1879 – died aged 62) father of Bert and husband to Lillian lived at 52 Goosemoor Lane
Bert, (born: 1916 – died aged 25) son of George and Lillian lived with his wife Laura at 85 Goosemoor Lane
and
Alfred (born: 1907 – died aged 34) son in law to George and Lillian, lived with his wife Beatrice at 66 Goosemoor Lane.
George, Bert and Alfred are buried at the rear of the Churchyard in the central area.
Peter Knight