AIR RAID ON CROYDON AIRPORT

Henry Albert Beard

On the 15^th Aug 1940, the German Luftwaffe made their first air raid on Croydon Airport. They were actually looking to bomb Kenley Aerodrome but mistook their bearings.

The raid killed 6 airmen and 62 civilians. Among them was Henry Beard aged 27, who was working at the Bourjois Factory in Purley Way, Croydon as an Examiner & Storekeeper.

Henry left a pregnant wife, May Evelyn Beard and a daughter Valerie. Josephine was born on the 10^th Nov 1940. May lived until 2000, aged 87.