This is not a book to be read lightly. It is a true, historical novel - the true story of the day east Staffordshire and Derby were rocked by a terrific explosion that shattered the peaceful farming villages, sending up an Hiroshima-like mushroom cloud of earth, alabaster, farmland and trees, over the whole area, that descended, blocking out the sun and leaving a crater the size of six football pitches. The explosion was recorded on a seismograph as far away as Geneva. The crater consumed a whole farm, leaving many dead and many to scramble for their lives or die in the pitch-black, gas-filled crater that was to be their coffin, where some still lie. 200 cattle and sheep were killed. The day was 27 November W1944,
It was war time - gas masks were obligatory, Americans had been drafted. Enemy planes were flying over heading for the main cities of Coventry and Derby, to drop their bombs.
Peter Ford's alabaster mines, still being used, were adjacent to disused mines bought by the Air Ministry to house a gigantic secret store for bombs to be re-armed and sent out to RAF aerodromes in the war effort to defeat Nazi Germany. It was known locally as the 'Dump'. You could say there was an accident waiting to happen as RAF and civilians, working together, were run off their feet, with RAF staff constantly coming and going as they were needed by the RAF - a 'time bomb' ticking as they tried to rush getting the bombs sent out.
A desperate search was carried out by emergency teams from all over and citizens alike, trying to dig people out. It left families homeless, desperately bereaved and bereft of income from the now deceased bread-winners of the family.
The book follows the story of PC Mackay from Burton, the once peaceful villages and the desperate attempts to rescue people trapped underground or by the flooding from the shattered nearby reservoir. It tells of families struggling to survive while awaiting some form of recompense. It also relates the RAF enquiry and the outcome - something the Air Ministry tried to cover up, applying the official Secrets Act for another 30 years; plus the memorial services held annually.
I have obtained true stories from families who lived through those sad, dark days, some who, after all these years, have found it distressing to relate.
Review - Al Amin
What an incredible journey capturing history in your novels.Your dedication and meticulous research shine through making each story a poignant tribute to the past. The RAF Fauld explosion is a powerful narrative that not only commemorates a significant event but also connects generations through shared memories. Your commitment to sharing these stories is truly inspiring. Wishing you continued success and joy in sharing these these historic gems with avid readers.
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Fantastic book with lots of detail and stories from the people who were affected in the surrounding communities.