First British Mainland Civilian Casualties in WW2

On April 30, 1940 a Heinkel 111 from 3rd Staffel, KG 126, damaged by AA fire, crashed at this location (25 Victoria Road), killing its crew and the house occupants Frederick and Dorothy Dill. One hundred and sixty other civilians were injured. The aircraft was carrying two Luftmine B's of one tonne each. Unfortunately one ot the mines exploded in the ensuing fire causing extensive damage to the surrounding area. The Gills thus became the first civilian casualties of WW2 on the British mainland. The event is marked by a memorial placque across the street. Thanks to Mark Felton for his video on the topic.


First British Mainland Civilian Casualties ....kmz (1.24 KB)