Norwood News – Friday 25 October 1940 :
BRUCE SEARLE
Bruce D. F. Searle, the 18-years-old son of Mr. W. G. F. Searle, Courtneyroad, Colliers Wood, a former member of Mitcham Borough Council, fell a victim to a raid. He was leaving a station after a Raiders Passed signal when a bomb fell, and the blast killed him outright as he was walking in the street.
The Commonwealth War Grave Commission casualty record shows a different spelling for his surname, SEARL, and his age differs as well.
From Norwood News – Friday 17 January 1941, page 2
HUSBAND AND WIFE KILLED IN RAID
Took Shelter at Premises Bombed in LondonMr. and Mrs F. J. Roberts, Spencer-road, Mitcham, have been the victims of enemy action.
They were in the habit of sheltering in the basement of Mr. Roberts’ business premises in London, and when these were bombed, both Mr. and Mrs. Roberts were killed. Mr. Roberts was well-known and respected in Mitcham.
He was secretary of the penny-a-week collection scheme on behalf of Wilson Hospital, succeeding Mr. Allen, the founder. In this capacity Mr. Roberts rendered good service, and his efforts were much appreciated.
The Commonwealth War Grave Commission casualty record for Francis James Roberts, aged 46, his wife Mary Roberts, aged 48, and their son David Iowerth Roberts, aged 15, states that their address was at 19, Spencer Road, and that they died on 11th January 1941 in the premises of Elder & Fyffes, Bow Street. This company imported bananas, and was renamed the Fyffes Group in 1969, according to Grace’s Guide to British Industrial History.
The 1939 register shows that Mr F.J. Roberts was a Printing Dept Supervisor at the firm.
Mitcham History Notes 