Joseph Thomas Webb

Thanks, Helen for the tip about resources, especially British Newspapers Online. I have been trying to find details on the wartime death, 1943, of my late Aunt's first husband Joseph Webb and, following your tip, found an article in the Coventry Standard, repeated verbatim in the Coventry Telegraph. Sometimes though a story becomes less clear the more one hears. I already knew Stoker Joseph Webb of Capmartin Road, Radford, was killed, with 12 others, on 12th May 1943 when a raid of 25 aircraft bombed Lowestoft. Joe was in the Jubilee Stores pub when it was demolished by a direct hit. My Aunt was expecting their son, also Joseph, who never knew his father. Joe's remains were buried in London Road cemetery. All this is a matter of record however there was always a family story about how Joe died saving a Wren's life but no independent way to verify what I've always considered to be something of a way for the family to put some meaning to a tragic waste of a life. Today I accessed the newspaper account which quotes the London Gazette announcing a posthumous commendation of Joseph for throwing his own body across a Wren, saving her life but losing his own. No mention of a pub or other casualties. While it would be of some comfort to know Uncle Joe died a hero, the varying accounts raise more questions than answers. I can't find any record in the London Gazette and the story seems implausible given that newspapers have never let the truth spoil a story.

Walrus if you go to Thegazette.co.uk, search for Joseph Thomas Webb and put the date to 19th October 1943 this is at the bottom of the page. Sorry I have tried to copy the page, I will have another go ! For bravery and presence of mind by which he saved a Wren from severe injury during an air-raid: Posthumous Commendation. Stoker Joseph Thomas Webb, LT/LX.154051 (Coventry).

Thank you Anne. It's really useful to have some documentation to verify the newspaper account.

I'm 99% sure the story you were told was true Walrus, 1. In the SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 19 OCTOBER, 1943 it says: 2. On his grave (Square 106, grave 147, see grave ref. maps below) it says: Quoting John 15:13: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." Also see findagrave.com/ for photograph and record of grave. 3. Joseph died on the same night as the Jubilee Stores pub, Lowestoft was destroyed by a 500 kg WW2 bomb: Sources: Suffolk Pubs edp24.co.uk- A look back at Lowestoft pubs through the decades edp24.co.uk - Victims of deadly German air raid are remembered Also, Source: lowestoftoldandnow.org. Note: same vessel as Joseph Webb (HMS Europa), also 21 years of age (which would likely have been a friend of his). There is also a clip on this facebook video: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=575211993569278 [6Mins, 50 secs in] Matthew Hubbuck was another who was killed in the pub who served aboard HMS Europa: newmp.org.uk It also gives another insight into the raid"...The first bomb dropped cut the electric current and the sirens failed..." The aftermath of the bombing raid on the Jubilee Stores Pub: 4. The CWG's says he was in the Royal Naval Patrol Service and was "Son of Joseph and Jessie Webb, of Coventry; husband of Susan Mary Webb, of Radford, Coventry." In the 1939 Register Joseph T Webb, is living with said parents with his brother Peter at 25 Honeyfield Road, Coventry. Joseph and his Father were Aircraft fitters. Joseph T. Webb was born on the 15th of June 1921. This makes him 21 years, 11 months at the time of his passing, meaning it was likely one of his shipmates who was celebrating his 21st birthday. Very sad affair... but I'm 99% confident that what was said in your family is completely true. The London Gazette wouldn't fabricate stories. Hope you're well.

Our Forum cousins in the Sussex History Forum also have a discussion on the subject (sussexhistoryforum.co.uk): Which includes a list of HMS Europa navy personal killed in the raid: It also mentions the presence of WREN officers at the party at the pub on the "the Focke-Wulf raids" night.

Many Thanks GJS for your thorough and diligent research. Thanks to Anne also. Thanks also, again, to Helen. I have two more photos of the Jubilee Stores pub before and after the raid but I cannot be sure they are in the common domain. If they are I'll upload them at a later date. HMS Europa was not an actual ship but a shore establishment, known in the navy as a stone frigate. Europa was the shore base for the RN Patrol Service. Unfortunately this branch of the Webb family has died out, leaving no relatives. However Joe Webb will always be honoured by those of us who knew of him.

Went in the Old part of London Road Cemetery today and saw Mr Webb's gravestone. Right next to the path. Nice that someone has put a poppy remembrance cross there.

The CWGC should be maintaining the Headstone and immediate area so it is in pristine condition. This man is so worthy of being remembered and his memory cherished, and the least that can be done is to ensure this happens. I will make enquiries. Thankyou for posting the Photos, Garland.

I didn't want to say anything but I 100% agree @Wearethemods. I looked at it yesterday and was thinking this is more than a "sponge and hot water" job, the stone seems quite porous, think it needs professional cleaning. Thanks for doing that ❤️ you're absolutely right, he deserves a decent memorial.

I have contacted the CWGC and submitted the following :- "On the 'Historic Coventry Forum' Website a couple of Photographs pertaining to a Mr. Joseph Thomas WEBB RNPS, LT/KX 154051, killed 12th May 1943 in Lowestoft and buried in London Road Cemetery, Coventry. He seemingly died a hero in saving the life of another. His Headstone and the immediate area, have not been maintained by the CWGC it would appear, and the Headstone certainly needs a thorough clean. Is this something that you can endeavour to undertake please ?" If they respond and request copies of the said Photographs, (they will obviously have a detailed record of his Grave location), I will PM you, Garlands and I can submit them for clarification. Many thanks for your response.

Of course @Wearethemods I'll be happy to send you the photos. Also the Grave location is the old part of the London Road Cemetery (Square 106, Grave 147), just in case they need clarification but as you say they will probably instantly know where he is, from their records. I think the CWGC ID number is ^2714345

I hve found this article in the Daily Express 29th October 1943