Statement of Mr Tom Siddons, ARP Warden, Hadley Green

I met Albert Marsh at the wardens' post at half past four on the morning of 14th November. We shared a thermos of tea and discussed the patrol routes. Albert was in good spirits. He mentioned that he had been listening to the nine o'clock news on the Home Service the previous evening before turning in early.

Albert left the post at a quarter past five to begin his rounds along Church Lane. His route takes him past the bakery, the post office, the churchyard, and back along Mill Road — a circuit of roughly twenty-five minutes at a brisk walk.

I remained at the post until twenty past five, then set out on my own route heading south along the High Street. At approximately half past five, I was near the village pond when I heard the church clock strike the half hour. It was still pitch dark — full blackout, of course, and sunrise not until gone half seven at this time of year.

At ten minutes to six, I was passing the telephone box on Mill Road when I saw Albert's torch — he always used that red-filtered one — moving near the church tower. I called out to him but received no answer. I assumed the wind carried my voice away and continued my round.

I completed my circuit and returned to the post at a quarter past six. When Albert had not returned by half past six, I went looking for him and found him at the base of the church tower steps. He was already cold.