Tragic Death of ARP Messenger Boy

Bernard Mendle’s grave can be found in Rainsough Jewish Cemetery, Prestwich. The inscription states: In Loving Memory of our Dear Son, Bernard Mendle who was tragically taken from us by Enemy Action 22nd December 1940 in his 14th Year. Sadly missed by his heartbroken Parents, Brothers, Sisters, Grandmother and Relatives. Also by Members and Messenger Boys of ARP Post 92. The wonderful Greater Manchester Blitz Victims website has a page dedicated to Bernard. 

Evidently, his two elder siblings were serving in the Army and Bernard wanted to do his bit. It is said he became a member the Auxiliary Fire Service as a voluntary messenger. He devoted all his spare time to training and his AFS duties. (I note that he is recorded as a member of Air Raid Precautions on his grave).

During the first night of the Manchester Blitz, he felt under utilised as a messenger and ‘borrowed’ a fireman’s uniform. Unbeknown to his colleagus, he arrived at a factory that was ablaze. He was working on the fires when a German bomb landed on the building and was killed. Bernard was buried on Christmas Day.

His death is recorded in the Civilian War Dead Register maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Commemorated in Perpetuity by the Commission. Fuller details of this brave young boy can be found HERE