Karen kindly provided the following account after visiting the website.
My Dad, Dennis Lewiss Watson was a survivor of the bombing of the factory along with his mother Ellen Watson and, sister Maureen. Dad lived in Reed Street, North Shields.
Dad was 3 years old at the time, so he passed on only vague recollections. I do remember Dad telling me that a man was killed instantly - he had swapped places with my Grandma and Dad giving them his bottom bunk bed, so that he could be next to his family.
I often wonder if Mrs Lee helped my Dad & his family to safety, regardless, Mrs Lee deserves recognition for her bravery.
My Dad kept in touch with a childhood friend of his, Raymond Lough, who lost family members in the bombing. Ray still lives in North Shields.
photo: Dennis Watson: age 19 courtesy: Karen Robinson
My Dad brought us to New Zealand in 1973 when I was almost 6 years old.(Ironically we lived in George Square, North Shields prior to emigrating). Family history has always been very important to me, my Dad told me about the bombing & how he was lucky to have survived when so many lost their lives. I only wish Dad had been able to see the Web site. Dad passed away on 19th September 1998 after a long battle with Lung Cancer. Mam (Hilda) took Dad "home" to be buried at Preston Cemetery next to my Grandparents.
The only remaining member of my Dad's family who was in the shelter that tragic night, is my Uncle Raymond, I do not really know him. He still lives in North Shields.
Thank you for providing this web site, it has given my family an "insight" to part of our Family history & that of so many other families in North Shields. We are so lucky in this so called "peace time" & take so much for granted. It is important that we all acknowledge the devastation that war creates. May it continue to provide an insight for our children!
Boys having fun: Fish Quay Sands, North Shields c1943/4
Dennis (aged 5-6) is pictured third from the left just above the boy (Jimmy Duck) being pulled along on the go-cart (bogey).The boy pulling the cart is William Taylor aged 8?
photo: courtesy Karen Robinson.