Joan M. Kappes was born on 21 September 1937, the daughter of William Peter Kappes (1900-1965) and Mary Elizabeth Kappes née Knowles (1901-1991). Her birth was registered in the 4th quarter of 1937 in the Bethnal Green Registration District, London.
The England and Wales Register that was compiled on 29 September 1939 confirms her date of birth as 21 September 1937, that she was under school age and was living at 6 Delta Estate, Bethnal Green, with her parents and seven siblings. Her father was described as a foreman spindle moulder wood machinist.
She was injured by a German bomb that fell on the Columbia Market air raid shelter on the night of 7th/8th September 1940 and died on 8 September 1940 at Bethnal Green Hospital, Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2. Her death was registered incorrectly as aged 3 years (she was aged 2 years, 11 months, 18 days) in the 3rd quarter of 1940 in the Bethnal Green Registration District, London. The Civilian War Dead Roll of Honour 1939-1945 shows her family residing at 42 Weymouth Terrace, Hackney Road, Bethnal Green.
She is shown as 'KAPPES Joan 3' on the Columbia Market air raid shelter memorial in the Rose Garden, Old Market Square, Ravenscroft Park, London, E2.
She is also commemorated on the , on the and in that is kept just outside the entrance to St George's Chapel at the west end of Westminster Abbey.
Credit for this entry to: Andrew Behan.
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