A long-awaited tribute to Bridlington wartime hero Thomas Alderson was finally unveiled at its rightful home, more than 30 years after the commemorative plaque was first produced.
Residents, civic leaders and supporters gathered in the town centre to witness the unveiling at the site of the former Foley’s Café on Prince Street, where Alderson carried out one of his most courageous rescue operations during the Luftwaffe bombing raids of August 1940.
Alderson, an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) warden, became the first recipient of the George Cross after leading rescue teams at three separate bombing sites across Bridlington. His bravery helped save survivors trapped beneath rubble and earned him one of the nation’s highest civilian gallantry awards.
Although a plaque was created in 1995, it never reached the location where the dramatic rescue took place. Instead, it spent years at Marks & Spencer, Alderson House and later Bridlington Library while a permanent home was sought.
The plaque was finally installed thanks to the support of building owner Jerome Remblance, whose property now stands on the site of the former café. Bridlington Mayor Mike Heslop-Mullens officially dedicated the plaque with a short speech.
Richard Jones, who helped spearhead efforts to secure the plaque’s installation, described the occasion as a proud and emotional moment.
“Today was incredible, finally seeing the plaque to Thomas Alderson unveiled thanks to the permission given by Jerome Remblance,” he said.
“I would like to give a huge thanks to all those who made this possible. Today we can honour Alderson and his team at the site of one of these bombing raids and remember all those who died that night in the cellar. Thanks to the ARP team, that death toll was kept at an absolute minimum.”
Organisers also thanked Bridlington Library staff for safeguarding the plaque and ensuring the town’s most famous wartime hero received the recognition he deserved.
