Died: Of shock following a bomb blast at 121 Elsa Road
Address / Local links: 121 Elsa Road, Welling
Family / Relatives: Husband of May Alice Thomas
This first week of the Blitz must have been a terrifying time for Londoners, and for local civilians, as wave after wave of enemy bombers flew overhead… On the 8th September a 50-kilogram bomb actually fell on the grounds of Buckingam Palace, but luckily didn’t explode, and was later destroyed in a controlled explosion – no-one was hurt.
But, nearer home, this day ended early for Charles Thomas, a 58 year old textile warehouse clerk – he died of ‘shock and blast’ at ‘the junction of Elsa Road & Avondale Avenue’.
Born in West Ham in January 1884, the son of Charles (a boilermaker) and Ann Thomas, Charles grew up in the East End, working often as a labourer, and just before WW1 married May Alice Powell at St. Stephens Church, Upton Park.
They had two children – Margaret May and Joan Ethel – and by the mid 1930s, they were living in Welling at 121 Elsa Road; the 1939 Register lists Charles as a textile warehouse clerk and his daughter Joan as a florist.
This family life ended tragically on 8th September, and the Civilian Register of Casualties makes for brief but poignant reading; “Body claimed for burial by James Gravett of 53 Kenmere Road
Buried at City of London Cemetery, Manor Park E12
£14 12s 7d on body
Personal effects included cigarettes, wallet, ID card, black comb and case, and a co-op cheque for 3/9d
Inventory of clothing – 1 blue striped suit, 1 green striped shirt, 1 grey vest, 1 pair socks with suspenders. “
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
If anyone is able to add any extra information, provide more family details, or suggest any corrections, please let us know – also, if anyone has any more photos of this individual listed on our memorials, please get in touch. Thank you.
Commemorated
This story has been researched by volunteers. We have taken every effort to ensure its accuracy. If you are related to Charles Joseph Thomas, or if you have any further information, please do get in touch.