Man’s wait for civilian memorial in Norfolk town finally over

Civilians that died in WW2 air raid. David Boughen was just five months old. Pictures: Supplied by Brian Farrow (Image: Archant)

Brian Farrow was just two-years-old when his grandmother Emma Farrow died, aged 54, in Sheringham. His cousin David, aged five months, and aunt, Peggy Boughen, 22, also died in the raid on July 27, 1942.

Several years ago Mr Farrow, who lives in the town, suggested the idea of a memorial to the 14 civilians killed as a result of air raids over the town to Sheringham Town Council.

And the authority has now erected a memorial, costing about £2,000 and made of Portland Stone, close to the war graves section of the town's cemetery.

Mr Farrow, 77, said: 'When they were buried there were no stones erected to them, so while I know roughly where they are, I don't know the exact spot to lay a wreath there.

Civilians that died in WW2 air raid. Peggy Boughen was just 22. Pictures: Supplied by Brian Farrow (Image: Archant)

'I told the council they made a lot of money from the town's '40s festival, so why didn't they put some of that money back as a memorial.

'I'm highly delighted they have erected this memorial. And when they asked if I would unveil it later in the year, I said I would be proud to.'

Reverend Christian Heycocks will dedicate the memorial and Mr Farrow will officially unveil it at a ceremony on Saturday, September 22, with the time to be confirmed. Everybody is welcome to attend, especially family members of those dedicated on the memorial.

Cromer and Sheringham both suffered badly from bombing during the war, usually from individual aircraft probably 'dumping' their bombs after abortive raids on Midland towns.

Brian Farrow. Picture: David Bale (Image: Archant)

The 14 deaths were: Clara Abbs, 60, who died on September 22, 1940. Constance Emma Smith, 52, Constance Margaret Smith, 19, Frederick Smith, 64, and Margaret Rushmer, 74, who died on January 19, 1942. And David Boughen, five months, Peggy Boughen, 22, Emma Farrow, 54, Christine Hannah, four, Elsie Hannah, 39, William Hannah, 69, Brenda Martins, 19, Hannah Martins, 58, and Phyllis Martins, 28, who died on July 27, 1942.