By Isle of Wight Observer
On the morning of April 7, 1943, eight Luftwaffe planes dropped bombs on Newport, causing devastation. There has always been debate about whether it was 20 or 21 lives lost, as one man was seriously injured, dying five months later, meaning he was often not included in memorials. However, as of January this year, nearly 81 years later, Alfred Rackett has now officially been recognised as a victim of the bombing.
When a bomb exploded at timber merchant Moreys (now Jewsons) in Trafalgar Road, Alfred Rackett suffered a broken back in the blast. He died at his home, 29 New Street, on September 25, 1943, with his wife, Elizabeth, by his side.
Situated at Mountjoy Cemetery, there was a restoration of his grave, paid for by a personal donation. Discussions began with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) to see if Alfred could be recognised as an official victim of the bombing. In January 2023, the CWGC confirmed they had investigated Alfred’s case and he would now be officially included in the war dead.
A brick with Alfred’s name, engraved by Island Memorials, will now be added to the Newport & Carisbrooke Community Council memorial in Church Litten, alongside the names of the 20 other lives that were lost.
Newport & Carisbrooke deputy clerk, Lucinda Bradley, said: “I am delighted that Alfred Rackett has finally been recognised as a victim of the bombing. My thanks go to Gary Newman, of the CWGC, for his help, and Island Memorials, for once again showing generosity and ensuring the victims of that tragic day are still remembered, all these years later.”
