Demolition worker, employed by A & R Metal Company, died in the Dudgeon's Wharf explosion.
Reginald James Adams was born on 3 May 1940. He married Kathleen Joyce Stebbings (1935-1991) in the 4th quarter of 1962 in the Romford Registration District, Essex (now Greater London) and they had four children: Mark J. Adams; Daniel F. Adams; Tracy Adams and Ricky Adams.
Electoral registers in February 1965 show him and his wife listed at 39 Ingrebourne Road, Rainham, Essex (now Greater London).
He died, aged 29 years, on 17 July 1969 from injuries he received when an explosion, involving flammable vapours in an old oil tank that was in the process of being demolished, occurred at Dudgeon's Wharf, Manchester Road, Millwall, London. His death was registered in the 3rd quarter of 1969 in the Poplar and Bethnal Green Registration District, London and he was buried on 24 July 1969 in the London Borough of Havering.
Probate records confirm that his address had been 41 Ingrebourne Road, Rainham and that when administration of his estate was granted on 28 March 1970 his effects totalled £600.
He is incorrectly shown as 'Richard Adams A & R Metal Company' on the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority memorial plaque at Thames Path, Sextant Avenue, London, E14.
We are very grateful to his son, Ricky Adams, who supplied information about his father together with this photograph of his parents taken on their wedding day in 1962.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk and Andrew Behan.
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