Seventy-five years ago today that bombs fell on Rochester, killing 11 people including three firemen and a two-year-old boy (writes Peter Cook).

More than 100 people in the Wickham Street area were injured and dozens of homes were wrecked.

In addition to high explosive bombs and parachute mines, around 1,000 incendiary bombs fell. Most of these were quickly dealt with by local residents.

Two firemen, both members of the Rochester Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS), were manning their sub-station close to Baker’s Walk when it took a direct hit. They were Cyril Gibbons, of Dorrit Way, Rochester, and Francis Chater, of High Street, Chatham.

A third AFS fireman, Frederick Frank Ryder of Henry Street, Chatham, is thought to have been at the entrance to Short Brothers Seaplane Works, further along the Esplanade, when a bomb fell there. He died the following day in St Bartholomew’s Hospital.

Two of their colleagues, firemen Barnes and Durling, were injured but survived. Durling was nicknamed Jinx because he was prone to accidents. He was outside the substation keeping watch behind a tree. The blast, which blew a pump and its trailer into the river, spun him round so violently that it wore through the soles of his boots. It also pierced his eardrums.

Ivy Bachelor, 44, of Willis Avenue, is reported to have died of shock. The rest of those killed lived in Wickham Street. They included four people from the same family, young mother, Elizabeth White, 22, her two-year-old son John, Arthur White, 51, and Marion White, 52, presumably Elizabeth’s parents.

Also killed were 15-year-old Joyce Foreman, her three-year-old brother Eric Martin Foreman and Mildred Witts, 43.

Hundreds of people were made temporarily homeless. Others were provided with rolls of heavy paper to replace shattered windows and blackout materials. People were typically defiant despite the devastation. Mrs D Dunlevy told reporters: “Hitler has bombed us out of our homes but he hasn’t got our spirits down.”

Mrs Dunlevy’s 85-year-old grandmother, Mrs Baker, was in an adjoining room. “I covered my head and face over with a pillow,” she said. “Although my bed was smothered with debris I was able to push it away and get out unhurt.”

ARP officer GW King said shortly after the bombing: “People were simply marvellous. There was no sign of a panic and no screaming or shouting. They took it calmly and very soon were sweeping up glass and debris.”Do you recall the Rochester bomb attack of April 1941?

Do you recall any stories your parents or grandparents may have told you about it? If so please get in touch via pcook78@btinternet.com or telephone the newsroom on 01634 227803.