#Story
John Venables, AFS Messenger
Between August and October 1940, Coventry was subjected to 17 bombing raids by the Luftwaffe (German Air Force). A total of nearly 200 tonnes of bombs were dropped onto the city. One raid took place on the night of 14 October 1940, which struck the area of Coventry train station. John Venables was 16 years of age and lived a 5 Eaton Road. He was an Auxiliary Fire Service (AFS) Messenger who was provided with a steel helmet and an axe. Being of a young age, the outbreak of the Second World and the impact on the city of Coventry had a great effect on him.
John’s mother had stated to the police that she had trouble in keeping him in during air raids, as he clearly wanted to help. She did not mind him being out, as long as she knew he was with a Policeman.
On 14 October during an air raid, John was of great assistance for Police Constables Frank Holroyd and Wilson. He, alongside Terrance Bacon, another civilian, assisted the constables in putting out incendiary bombs that had been dropped. Many of these John did by himself, alongside obtaining sand and spades for the others.
John then reported to Holroyd that in Eaton Road more incendiary bombs had landed. One house had a bomb under a car in the garage and an outhouse that had set on fire. Between the two of them, both fires were extinguished. In total John assisted in putting out ten incendiary bombs.
Following the raid, John was nominated by the Police Constable to be considered for an award. It stated that he had always been on hand to assist if required. described him as a very plucky and brave youth who gave great assistance.
John is one of many young adults within the city who during the Blitz period helped to save lives and properties.