ON THE darkest day in Newport's history — April 7, 1943 — Luftwaffe bombers caused devastation to the town and a significant loss of life, still felt today.

The count of casualties has always been a topic of debate, with records possibly failing to factor in one life lost at a later stage due to injuries from that fateful incident.

As of January this year, almost 81 years after the catastrophic strike, Alfred Rackett, who succumbed to his injuries from it five months later, has been granted official recognition as a victim.

Isle of Wight County Press: Morey's timber works in Newport, destroyed by Nazi bombers in April 1943.Morey's timber works in Newport, destroyed by Nazi bombers in April 1943. (Image: Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council)

Alfred was gravely injured after a bomb detonated at Moreys timber merchants, causing spinal injury.

His wounds were severe enough for him to die five months later, with a death certificate that recorded causes that included a broken back due to enemy action.

Despite suffering the fatal injuries, Alfred's connection with Moreys is unclear. Although his job title was that of a timber checker, his presence was not recognised by the Moreys workforce.

The cost to restore Alfred's grave, at Mountjoy Cemetery, Newport, were covered by private donations, amid attempts to get him acknowledged by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) as an official victim of the bombing.

The confirmation finally arrived, following an investigation into Alfred's case, marking him as an official war casualty.

Gary Newman, a CWGC representative, built up a 'non-commemoration' case for Alfred, on behalf of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council.

Isle of Wight County Press: Alfred Rackett's damaged grave at Mountjoy Cemetery, Newport.Alfred Rackett's damaged grave at Mountjoy Cemetery, Newport. (Image: Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council)

Isle of Wight County Press: Alfred Rackett's restored gravestone at Mountjoy Cemetery, Newport.Alfred Rackett's restored gravestone at Mountjoy Cemetery, Newport. (Image: Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council)

Successfully upheld, Alfred’s name will soon feature on the Commission's online public database, on the National Roll of Honour at Westminster Abbey and his story on the CWGC website.

Island Memorials will engrave a brick in Alfred's name, which will be added to the Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council memorial, in Church Litten, Newport, along with the 20 other tragic losses of the Second World War bombing raid.

Newport and Carisbrooke's deputy clerk, Lucinda Bradley, said:  “I am delighted Alfred has finally been recognised as a victim of the bombing. 

"My thanks go to the CWGC and Island Memorials for once again showing generosity, and ensuring the victims of that tragic day are still remembered, all these years later."