- Contributed byÌý
- cpthenrywebb
- People in story:Ìý
- Henry Kenneth Webb (captain)
- Location of story:Ìý
- Bermonsey, London
- Background to story:Ìý
- Civilian Force
- Article ID:Ìý
- A3608624
- Contributed on:Ìý
- 02 February 2005
Henry Kenneth Webb (Captain) 10 Morton House, Poplar Road, Batchley B47 6.5.37
Born in Bermonsey London. In 1940 his mother at work and his older brothers were looking after him and his sister, when the sirens went. His brothers took him down to the cellar to shelter but the house was bombed and collapsed onto the cellar.
They were all buried, and it took three days to dig them out. Only he and his sister survived and by the time his mother came home from work the house was flattened.
He remembers having nightmares after that, but during his time in the cellar, despite being under tons of rubble — something in his head was telling him to keep calm. The experience has left him with a deep religious conviction and a desire to make his life worthwhile, as he feels that he was saved for a reason.
After this the remains of his family were evacuated to Gloucester, while his father continued as a RAF spitfire pilot.
He joined the Royal Navy, completing 26 years service before he retired. He then joined the Merchant Navy and worked for Shell tankers and a chief officer and then captain, retiring at 52.
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