Air war over Essex

[Ali Hollington]

Hi,
Interested in the effects of the air war over Essex, my paternal grandad served in Southend Borough Police during the war. Family history has him attending a few downed aircraft, possible arresting a german airman! I have also been given a crucifix reportably made out of the cockpit of a ME 109 or 110. Another story is his part in the successful defusing of the first magnetic mine which was found on the mud flats off Southend on Sea. My interest is to find how much of the above is true and to learn a bit more about the time and events, I'm about to contact the local police to see if they hold any records but would be interested in any comments for members.
Ali

[salientpoints]

Hi Ali,

My first stop would be the local reference library. I know for example my home town library has many many articles from the war and copies of local books published, newspapers, maps of bomb drops and more.

For example there is a title on amazon called "The war story of Southend Pier: The Battle of the Thames" - the local council should also have relevant archives.

Ryan

[Ali Hollington]

Ryan,
Quess where I'm spending my saturday? Well, until the rugby comes on anyway.
I have just received from my mum, one of my dads old books, and it appears to be the book you mention, but top idea on using amazon as a search tool.
As always, thanks for your help.
Ali

[Ludovica]

There is an EXTRAORDINARY ARP diary online and downloadable in PDF format you may find it interesting. http://rocheville.chez.tiscali.fr/
It is the diary of Mr EJ Carter of Waltham Abbey

[Ali Hollington]

Ludovica,
You are right this is quite an extraordinary diary, is it something you found surfering the internet or did you know about it anyway?
The diary finally shatters my ideas that nothing ever happens in Epping.
Ali