Hi, I am researching the story of six sappers that died attempting to defuse a bomb in Nantwich in Cheshire on 17th August 1940. I was wondering if the war diaries are available online anywhere and hoping to find out more about the role of the bomb disposal men at the beginning of WW2. I have the six casualty cards from FMP for the men and there is a local memorial erected in their honour. The six men were The six were Sapper Albert Fearon, Sgt Edward Greengrass, Sapper Michael Lambert, Sapper George Lucas, Sapper John Perrins and Sapper Harold Thompson. Any help greatly appreciated.
See also - Royal Engineers Bomb Disposal team killed on August 17, 1940 at Alvaston, Cheshire. The BD war diaries for this period are very lacking as it was a time of flux as new BD sections and companies were in the process of being formed at this time. Here's a list of BD unit war diaries for 1940. As you can see many begin after August. Search results: bomb disposal diary | The National Archives Perhaps you could rule out those and work through the remainder. Unfortunately they are not on-line. (I have sent you a message.) Here's some more details for those interested - New war memorial
Thanks Chris for this, I have just replied, but will take a look at the links you've sent now. Much appreciated Paul