Bootle WW2 Blitz - Help please.

[ALAMO2008]

My Dad recounted to me twice in his life, what he did as a kid before being old enough to join up and be sent to India in 1944

Dad was never one to exaggerate or tell lies and rarely talked about his War Experiences.

He stated very emotionally this story, that obviously still gave him nightmares 60 odd years later.

He said he and his mate both aged about 15 were Cyclist Messengers responsible for taking Messages from Bootle Town Hall H Q to the Fire Brigade, who were out on call during an Attack, to change their Fire Priority.

On one occasion he came across an Ambulance full of injured and the two drivers had been killed by a blast.

He tried in vain to remove rubble from a baby's mouth that was choking but it died in his arms.
He jumped in the Ambulance and without ever had a driving lesson he drove it to to Hospital.

He said he was up for a Bravery Award but they gave it instead to his friend (Posthumously) as he was killed that night.
He couldn't remember his name, sadly or when it was.


Does anyone have any ideas where I could also look to find out more on this story.

Is there a list anywhere of Awards given in WW2 to Civilians ?

Any help or suggestions , greatly appreciated.

[MaxD]

The very first thought is local newspapers via the local library (if they haven't shut it!)

MaxD

[purlin]

Have you checked this site out, you may strike lucky. 

https://www.bootlehistory.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=842&sid=13860eaaa0860d0eb5c47ab68d96f368&start=105

[AngelFish]

Does Bootle have good burial records with the date of death on them? You'd be looking for a day that at least two adults, one 15ish year old male and one baby/toddler all died.
But maybe the area is too large (many deaths) to make this useful.

[AngelFish]

Try on here? http://www.old-merseytimes.co.uk/awards1941.html

There is mention of John Jones, ARP messenger, Birkenhead?

Menu for Misc awards for other years  http://www.old-merseytimes.co.uk/medalsandawards.html



Just realised this is the great website already recommended by Purlin.

[ALAMO2008]

Does Bootle have good burial records with the date of death on them? You'd be looking for a day that at least two adults, one 15ish year old male and one baby/toddler all died.
But maybe the area is too large (many deaths) to make this useful.

Bootle Cemetery Burial Register is in Alpha letter of Surname Order then Date of Burial

But the links found by everyone to Merseyside Awards has given me loads to follow up.

Thanks everyone for your input and time.