We still remember the Great Flood, 65 years on

But if you thought you knew everything there is to know about the flood of 1953, think again. There are still stories to tell, acts of heroism and community spirit to celebrate, even 65 years later.

That’s why the Canvey Community Archive will be hosting a special event this Wednesday (January 31) on the 65th anniversary of the flood, to ensure memories of one of the most devastating natural disasters ever recorded in the UK – do not dissipate with time.

The flood, caused by a tidal surge and storms in the North Sea, claimed the lives of 2,500 people in Europe- more than 300 of them in the UK as 1,600 km of coastline was damaged, and sea walls were breached.

Animals drowned in their tens of thousands, homes were wiped out and basic amenities were decimated. In the Netherlands, where the disaster is known as “Watersnoodramp”, 1,800 lives were lost and 10 per cent of the country’s entire farmland was flooded.

Here at home the Essex coast was ravaged and Canvey Islanders were among the worst affected.

Fifty eight residents died on the island that night. They were asleep in their beds when the surge hit with little warning.

Such was the devastation on Canvey that the disaster has become intertwined with the island’s history and as they always do, residents will be coming together to mark the anniversary this week.

Janet Penn, editor of the Canvey Community Archive, described how the island’s residents had no idea of what was to come: “Although there had already been flooding and deaths all down the east coast islanders was oblivious, “ she said.

“There was no such thing as mobile phones in fact there were only a few phones on the island and they were soon wiped out the telephone exchange being one of the early casualties.

“There were no sirens, as we had on the island for many years. Communications from areas already hit just did not happen. The island was on its own.”

The island had to be evacuated and families were forced to wade through the water -which reached life-threatening levels- in a bid to get to safety. Street lights had been knocked out and temperatures were plummeting. Many people escaped drowning by clambering onto roofs - some huddled together in the freezing pitch black cold for 12 hours until they were eventually rescued by police boats.

Former Canvey resident, Brian Winter, who was just six at the time recalled: “My dad had me on his shoulders and my mum has my sister on hers. The water was coming in so quickly. It was coming right up to my dad’s neck and touching my feet, even though I was on his shoulders. It was pitch black and freezing cold.”

Today a large sea wall protects the island but memories of the floods live on.

Janet added: “The chances of such a disaster happening again are slim, due to our great seawalls.

“In all the years I have lived here I have never been worried about getting flooded but we must not become complacent.”

The Canvey Community Archive event will will include a flood talk and small exhibition in memory of those killed.

“We feel it is important to have such an event not only to remember those who were lost but to inform those who live on the island today,” added Janet.

“Many either came here or were born after the event so have no first-hand knowledge. The exhibition has lots of photos, stories, maps and newspapers from the time. There is sure to be something you did not know or had not seen.” The event will take place at the War Memorial Hall in High Street, Canvey. Doors will open at 1.45 and the talk will start about 2pm, there is a small entry charge of £3.50 which includes refreshments.

For more information go to www.canveyisland.org

Here we bring you a four page gallery of images to mark the 65th anniversary of the Great Flood..