On the morning of 7th April 1943, eight Luftwaffe planes dropped bombs on Newport causing devastation. There has always been debate about whether it was 20 or 21 lives lost, as one man was seriously injured, dying five months later meaning he was often not included in memorials.
However, as of January 2024, nearly 81 years later, Alfred Rackett has now officially been recognised as a victim of the bombing.
When a bomb exploded at timber merchant Moreys (now Jewsons) in Trafalgar Road, Alfred Rackett suffered a broken back in the blast. He died at his home, 29 New Street, on 25th September 1943, with his wife Elizabeth by his side.
Piecing together the history
His death certificate cites a broken back, enemy action and suspected carcinoma which was under investigation and may have been exacerbated by his injuries.
His occupation was described as a ‘timber checker’, however despite being injured close to Moreys, his name is not recognised by those that worked there and he may have worked in another timber merchant.
Mountjoy Cemetery
Situated at Mountjoy Cemetery, the restoration of his grave was paid for by a personal donation and discussions began with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to see if Alfred could be recognised as an official victim of the bombing.
In January 2023, the CWGC confirmed they had investigated Alfred’s case and he would now be officially included in the war dead.
Newman: Alfred added to the National Roll of Honour at Westminster Abbey
Gary Newman, Eyes On Hands On Project/Public speaker from the CWGC, said,
“As a Newportonian, I was honoured to have been asked to make a case of ‘non commemoration’ to the CWGC on behalf of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council for Alfred and very pleased that it was accepted and upheld.
“This means that Alfred’s name will, in due course, be added to the Commission’s online public database, but more importantly, added to the National Roll of Honour at Westminster Abbey.
“Furthermore, his story will be told on the CWGC website.”
Island Memorials
Island Memorials are kindly engraving a brick with Alfred’s name and his name will now been added to the Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council memorial in Church Litten alongside the names of the 20 other lives that were lost.
Bradley: Ensuring victims of that tragic day are still remembered
Newport and Carisbrooke Deputy Clerk, Lucinda Bradley, said,
“I am delighted that Alfred Rackett has finally been recognised as a victim of the bombing.
“My thanks go to Gary Newman of the CWGC for his kind help and Island Memorials, for once again showing generosity and ensuring the victims of that tragic day are still remembered, all these years later.”
News shared by Lucy on behalf of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council. Ed
