MAY MUMS, DADS & CHILDREN REST in PEACE

Exclusive by Robin Bird

LEST we forget civilians killed in Wirral during the Blitz of Merseyside in World War II, old soldier Tommy Birkett is putting in place plans to site a memorial next to Birkenhead Cenotaph.

It will mark the 60th anniversary of the day Luftwaffe bombs started falling in 1940. Birkenhead and Wallasey bore the brunt of bomb damage on this side of the Mersey.

In last week's Globe, on the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of WWII, we highlighted the need for a memorial for civilians after readers supplied plaques for those killed in action between 1939-45.

Ex-King's Own Infantryman Tommy, who served from 1940 to 1946, immediately responded that he and his mates were already doing that.

"I have approached Wirral Council on behalf of ex-comrades and those who lost loved ones in the Blitz during 1940 and 1941. Many hundreds of people were killed in Birkenhead and Wallasey, not just civilians but Civil Defence, police, fire, ambulance and voluntary services.

"The bombing of Merseyside touched most households. I lost three close relatives as well as friends," reflects Tommy, of Birkenhead.

Funds for the memorial are already in place. The proposed wording on the memorial stone is 'In everlasting memory of the men, women and children who were killed in the Blitz (1939-45). May they all Rest in Peace.'

All parties on Wirral Council are behind the project, so it should happen.

Tommy was a front-line fund raiser when the Globe raised money for the WWII memorial plaques for those killed in action. "With the support of your readers this time, I am sure that we will all succeed in providing a memorial for civilians killed," says Tommy.

Historic footnote: Birkenhead suffered the first death on Merseyside when the blitz started. A stick of bombs fell in Prenton, killing a sleeping housemaid. Shortly after, Wallasey Town Hall was extensively damaged by bombs, then the new battleship 'Prince of Wales', which was being built at Cammell Laird.

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