The Read family of upper Sydenham

[Peter Biggadike]

I am doing research for a friend in the USA about the crews of two Halifax bombers involved in a mid air collision in Yorkshire on the 19th of August 1943. One crew member was Sgt Frederick David Read an air gunner of the RAF Volunteer Reserve.
He was the son of Frederick David and Rose Read of Upper Sydenham.
He is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave in Stonefall Cemetery Harrogate Yorkshire.
I can find no record of any of the Read family in Upper Sydenham despite many hours of searching Birth, deaths and Marriage records.
14 airmen lost their lives in this tragic accident and the intention is hopefully to provide a lasting memorial to them. Details of 13 crewmen have been obtained but no information has been found about Sgt Read and his family other than the bare details from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. I would welcome any information about the family and any existing family members. Please email me direct or post your replies on the forum. Many thanks in anticipation.

Peter

[Steve Grindlay]

Thanks for the interesting information about the Read family. I can only add a little to it.

Frederick David Read lived at 128 Kirkdale from the mid-1930s. The house was one of the more interesting in the area, part of a grade II listed 1830s terrace. It is the pale blue house in this picture, taken a couple of years ago.

Lewisham Local History Centre might be able to give more information.

[Peter Biggadike]

Many thanks Steve for your information which is very helpful. I wonder if by any chance you would know the Birth date of Sgt Read? I would estimate it to be around 1918 to 1920. But I haven't been able to find that in my searches so far. Additionally it seems strange that he is buried in Harrogate when most families appear to have the remains of their loved ones interred closer to their family home?

Regards

Peter

[Lucille]

That's my mum Violets brother.
He was 17 when he died in a Lancaster bomber. She never stopped crying over him and said he was the best brother in the world.
He had 8 sisters.
His grandfather was Robert Harry Read the watchmaker and goldsmith in Sydenham Hill. If you would like any info let me know.
His mother Rose is buried in Hither Green cemetery.