The No. 1 online authority on George Keen and the events of 22, 23 August, 1940 in Tongham, Surrey, this website was developed following an appeal from Mrs. Mavis Kerr (nee Keen), who grew up knowing very little of her father.

Sponsored and written by Steve White, the project was launched in 2005, published in memory of George Keen, George Leach, who along with others including the Home Guard, members of the Fire Service and military personnel attended to a burning munitions train on that dark night in Tongham, August 1940.

Mavis and Brian, daughter and son of George¹, had earlier been placed with Dr. Barnardo's. Subsequent to her marriage in 1953, Mrs. Kerr spent many years in Scotland before returning to Surrey, only more recently learning that she and Brian had a half-sister, Doris Elsie Marsden (nee Keen) 1924-1995, of Mitcham, Surrey, from George's marriage to Elsie Fuller in 1923. Sadly they never met, but Mavis has since been introduced to her father's grandson and great granddaughter.

SIBLINGS: It's thought also that George had at least four sisters, Florence, Daisy, Louisa, Selina and one brother, Charles. Having spent some time in Peterborough before again returning to Surrey in 2005, Mavis has more recently retired to Kent.

These pages include a signed colour photograph of George Keen³, Scoutmaster 9th Farnham (Tongham). The website sponsor would like to trace any other image or data relating to the events of 22, 23 August 1940 in Tongham, and in particular any information about, or photographs of George Henry Leach. Please take the time to read the biography, email: admin@pcworkspace.co.uk if you can help, many thanks.

NB: A photograph of explosive debris was sent to me by email, but unfortunately was lost along with the sender's details. If that was you, please send it in again.

There are clear difficulties in gathering and confirming records prior to 1898 through and beyond 1941, no less so given the then very young age of George's descendants. Development of this site consequently has been partly motivated by the number of published errors found during early research. Some data is arguably speculative, although largely verified and thought to be accurate…

…If the reader should offer any clarification, or has any information on George Keen, George Leach and/or the events of 22, 23 August 1940 in Tongham, Surrey; or might conceivably add to this website in any other way, please email or perhaps instead contact me direct on Peterborough (01733) 777 878.

Many thanks.

Steve White

Many, many combined hours of study, enquiry, research, travel, design and development has gone into creating this resource, notwithstanding all the kind help received from family members, from any number of people and organisations acknowledged within.

Steve White continues to sponsor this project which to-date has otherwise been solely funded by his business. PCWorkspace aims to freely maintain the website indefinitely in memory of George Keen, George Leach and all those involved; and to further develop the site as a resource, as a portal of conceivable interest for all in the coming years.

If you can possibly assist by way of a contribution to content, or perhaps instead by making a small donation, it would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

If you wish to use this content, under 'fair dealing' terms, e.g. as part of a non commercial project such as an educational research project or a cost–recovery project such as a public exhibition or publication, you may do so, but must acknowledge the provenance and copyright holder of the content in the following way: on a credits / acknowledgements page, or in a prominent position if used as part of a display.

If you wish to use content in a commercial context (e.g. a publication, a website that the public needs to pay for, or a project such as a broadcast series or film), please contact the author to obtain permission.