The city of Exeter was severely bombed on the night of 3rd/4th May 1942, one-third of the centre being destroyed. “Exeter is a jewel, we have destroyed it” claimed a German radio announcer that morning.
This letter describing the events of that night was written by my Grandmother, Winifred Coles, to my Grandfather’s cousin (Glen) & his wife (Em) shortly afterwards.
The postscript was added by my great Grandmother Florence Blanchard (known as Gran Dawlish), they evacuated to her house following the blitz – 82 Old Town St, Dawlish.
Win – Winifred Coles, my Grandmother
Don – Donald Redvers Coles, my Grandfather (in the RAF)
Jean – Jean Coles, my Mum
Gran – Bertha Coles (living with Don, Win & Jean)
Emmie & Glen (the recipients of the letter) lived in Stoneleigh, Surrey
My father found the letter amongst many documents he kept & included it in family history album he made for my son, Mark, born in 1992
