The memorial, dedicated to 18 residents, was unveiled by Mr Neil Nevison who witnessed a bombing raid here in the town just after 5.00pm on 12 September 1940. This was the worst day for bombing in Tunbridge Wells and one of Mr Nevison’s friends Lincoln Redman was among the 12 people who lost their lives in the bombing raid on that day.
Unveiling of Tunbridge Wells Civilian War Memorial, Sept 2019
Lincoln Redman was only 11 years old at the time and was delivering newspapers to the Kent and Sussex hospital when the bomb fell on the forecourt. Lincoln had taken over the delivery round that day for a friend who was ill. He was treated immediately for his injuries but died early the following morning. Mr Nevison was with Lincoln delivering newspapers but narrowly escaped injury as he was
delivering to the house next door to the hospital.
Mr Nevison, now aged 92, has arranged for a Memorial Flower Vase to be placed on Lincoln’s grave which Burslem will be supplying. Until the hospital was demolished in 2013, Mr Nevison visited the car park every Remembrance Sunday to remember Lincoln.
Burslem also restored the marble kerbs on the memorial to Alfred Edward Russell who was another victim of the bombing.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Tunbridge Wells, Cllr James Scholes and Mrs Jane Scholes, the Chief Executive Officer of Tunbridge Wells Borough Council William Benson and the Deputy Lieutenant for Tunbridge Wells Peter W Blackwell JP DL all attended the unveiling at Tunbridge Wells Cemetery.
The project was supported by the Friends of Tunbridge Wells Cemetery and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
