The account below was related by Joseph Dixon. Born in 1902 he was 12 at the time of the bombardment. The Dixons lived at 30 William Street. Fourteen-year-old George, eight-year-old Margaret and seven-year-old Albert all died. The baby son, John, who Mrs Dixon had been carrying when she was so seriously wounded, survived unhurt. Joseph and three-year-old Billy, both wounded, spent many weeks in hospital after their ordeal, but eventually recovered, though their family was decimated.

On the morning of the bombardment my mother, sister, five brothers and myself were sitting down to breakfast in William Street when shells began to fall. Soldiers were running down the street telling everyone to leave their homes as the street was in the direct line of fire. We all ran into the street and as we reached Church Close School a shell exploded killing many people including two of my brothers and my sister. Mother had her leg blown off and yet the baby she was carrying in her arms was unharmed. Although I didn’t know it at the time, I think I was too dazed too realise, I was badly wounded in the legs and later had seventeen pieces of shrapnel removed. I was carrying my brother, aged three (I was twelve). He was also wounded and we later spent several weeks in hospital. However, I continued to run, still carrying my brother, and passed many people carrying all sorts of things. I particularly remember one old lady hurrying along with a birdcage in her hand. I ran on until I reached the gas works where many people had collected, only to be told to go back again. I turned back and finally collapsed at Trinity Church. The next I remember was my brother and I being carried to hospital by two soldiers.

My father was serving in the army at the time but was given a compassionate discharge. As for the family of eight who sat down to breakfast that morning, three were dead, three wounded and only the baby and other younger brother escaped unhurt.