One of our first archive searches. Joan’s family (who live down south) got in touch to discover the resting place of their auntie. On discovering an old bible of their fathers who had recently passed away was the address Den Lane written inside, a clue, to a guarded secret of their father who very much blamed himself for the passing of his sister.

This story is quite vague but here is what we do know. When the official evacuation of 1.5 million people happened, Joan and her brother were evacuated from their home to live with their (we think) grandparents in Saddleworth.

Whilst bathing in a tin bath in front of the fire, the brother accidently splashed water onto the floor. Joan aged about 10 promptly attempted to vacuum up the mess, which resulted in her death by electrocution.

She was buried 12 August 1940 with the Turner family who’s children, we believe later emigrated to Canada. The grave has been left unmarked but the family did visit and lay flowers. Gone but not forgotten.