Aged 47
Killed in the explosion of the ammunition train
on Friday 2nd June 1944
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Frank Charles BRIDGES was born on 25th November 1896 in Wisbech (Freebridge Lynn Q4-1896 4B:329) son of Alice Louisa Bridges. She married Frank Rightcraft COPELAND in March 1897 in Wisbech.
1901 census...Aged 4, Frank C. COPELAND, he was at 9 Agenoria Street (now St Augstine's Road) Wisbech) with his stepfather Frank COPELAND [28] painter; his mother Alice COPELAND [27]; brother Isaac T COPELAND [2] and sister Florence V COPELAND. All born in Wisbech. Also there was his uncle William BRIDGES [37] deal carrier worn Downham, Norfolk. 1911 census...Aged 14, still Frank C Copeland, an errand boy, he was still at 9 Agenoria Street, Wisbech with his parents; brother Truman [2] and sister Florence E and cousin Harriet CROPLEY [7] born Walsoken. On 29th May 1920 at St.Peter's Wisbech, Frank C.C.BRIDGES married May Elizabeth SALMON In the 1939 register, a signalman for L.N.E.R. he was at "Stanleigh", Brook Street, Soham with his wife May E [8-1-1898]; sons George F [3-1-1922] apprentice butcher, and Dennis [5-10-1925]. There is one closed record. |
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The full story of the events of 2nd June 1944 can be seen here Frank died later in the day at White Lodge Emergency Hospital, Newmarket. One point to consider..the explosion took place at 1:43 am, and even with the primitive machines of that time, the railway line was open to traffic the same day. Today it would probably take days to gather forensic evidence even before any attempt was made to repair the damage.
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