City in need of new memorial; LIVING HISTORY: Preserving Blitz memories for future generations.

Byline: Les Reid

A BLITZ survivor who was heroically pulled from a bombed air-raid shelter has joined the debate about how best to commemorate the tragedy for future generations - including at the city's communal grave where his family are buried. Mike Logan, aged 75, is supporting a call by Blitz expert Trevor Harkin - reported in the Telegraph last week - for an incorrect sign at the Blitz memorial communal grave at London Road cemetery to be changed. And, responding to leading city councillor Gary Ridley's call for the public's views about a new Blitz memorial in the city centre, Mr Logan suggested it could be a statue of an ARP warden or a nurse, who saved so many lives.

The controversial cemetery sign states the 800 Blitz victims buried there died in one German raid in 1940, when the most devastating attack took place on November 14. In fact, many buried there, including Mr Logan's parents and brother who died in a raid the previous month, were killed by several Blitz raids throughout 1940 and 1941, says researcher and author Mr Harkin. Mr Logan's pregnant mother Florence, father Michael, and brother Frank, aged just five, were all killed by the German Luftwaffe who struck their shelter in Henry Street. Mr Logan, then aged just six, was pulled from the wreckage by ARP warden Albert Fearn, despite warnings for people to stay away because of a gas leak. Mr Fearn was decorated with the George Medal for his bravery, and Mr Logan many years later bought the medal from Mr Fearn's son to place it in the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum. Mr Logan also successfully campaigned for a street to be named after the man who saved his life - Albert Fearn Gardens in Foleshill. Mr Logan, a retired engineer and grandfather-ofthree, of Elmore Close, Earnsford Grange, said: "I want the sign at London Road to be marked with the dates of every raid in the Blitz. "A plaque on the new memorial should do the same. There is a need for new memorial." What do you think? What should a new memorial look like? Write to letters editor, Telegraph, Corporation St, Coventry, CV1 1FP or email [e-mail] Your letters on how to we should commemorate the Blitz - Page 10