V-J Day

The initial announcement of Japan’s surrender was made on 14 August 1945 (because of time zones, in Japan it was 15 August.) The surrender document was signed aboard the USS Missouri on 2 September 1945, and this officially ended World War II. Fifteenth of August is the official V-J Day for the United Kingdom.

What was happening in the local news at this momentous time?

Tuesday, August 21, 1945

In a dramatic midnight broadcast on Tuesday, the Prime Minister, Mr Clement Attlee, announced “Japan has to-day surrendered. The last of our enemies is laid low.” He then detailed the text of the Japanese reply to the Allied demands. Thus was a total of six years’ war by this country and her Allies against the forces of aggression brought to a victorious conclusion. Throughout the week-end international events had been moving to this climax. There had been many rumours, but it seems that this country was among the least infected in this way and, while making preparations for victory, waited patiently for official announcement before embarking on any celebrations. Certainly was this so in Torridge-side.

Final victory in war

Rain came in the night, but Wednesday morning proved to be a most pleasant sample of summer and there were crowds out and about early, mainly to do some hurried shopping. Peals rang out from the parish church bells at Bideford and in other places at intervals during the two days. There was music and laughter in the air and an infectious, but reasonable, excitement. Flags and bunting, augmenting the splendid official display, went up in great profusion everywhere. In some places the display was even greater than for VE. Ships in the harbour were 'dressed' with flags for the occasion.

V.J plus one (Thursday) started with a bang in Bideford – the firing of a maroon at 7am – followed by the breaking of the Union Jack from the flagstaff at the bottom of Bridgeland Street by the Mayor, Ald. H W Fulford. There was music at both East and West the Water as the Bideford Town Silver Band and the Bideford Home Guard

“The war’s over!” Those words, shouted in Irsha Street, Appledore, a couple of minutes after the Prime Minister had announced the good news, were typical of the jubilation – and relief – that was felt in Appledore and indeed all over the country. Those who heard the announcement soon woke those who had not – windows were pushed up and the news shouted to each other, etc. – and in an abnormally short time Appledore was ‘alive’. The St Mary’s Church bells were probably the first in the district to ring – only several minutes after the Prime Minister’s news – and their victory message carried all over the town. They also rang during the day.

On Wednesday Hartland was well beflagged and the countrymen came into the town and enjoyed a day off. There was a service of thanksgiving in the Square conducted by Preb. I L Gregory, who also gave an address. A dance at the Church Hall for the Welcome Home Fund was crowded out. Messrs Barter, L Littlejohns and Horace Prust were in charge. The Hartland Band provided music.

The peaceful sleep being enjoyed by the inhabitants of Instow in the first hour of the day that heralded August 15^th was broken, and oh! how sweetly, by the sound of Appledore church bells ringing out over the waters of the Torridge. Then they knew, like the millions of other waking inhabitants of this country, that peace had come at last, not merely the cessation of hostilities in Europe but the end of the greatest of all wars, the subjugation of aggressors and far. Peace at last!

Despite the expectation of Japan’s early acceptance of surrender, the streets of Northam were dark and empty just before midnight on Tuesday. But, within a very short time of the official announcement a complete change took place. Lights appeared in the windows and voices could be heard called, “It’s all over, Japan has given in.” Then followed the music of an impromptu band and choir parading the streets.

Torrington certainly had its fair share of VJ Day joy! Bonfires-dancing-fireworks-fun-all had a place in the festivities. Just after the announcement of the surrender of Japan, a large number of people paraded through the streets singing, etc. amid the bangs of fireworks.

On the whole it was fairly quiet at Westward Ho! When the news was heard on Tuesday, small groups went around the town singing, accompanied by a piano-accordian, and several fireworks were set off but there were no big processions. Bonfires and dancing were prevalent on Wednesday evening, and an Army dance at the Kingsley Gym was well attended. On Thursday there was a dance at the Top Camp and bonfires, fireworks, etc. were ‘also in attendance’ elsewhere.

Mr William C Glover, whose parents live in Northam, dies while prisoner-of-war in Thailand.

Welcome back by The British Biscuit Industry

Advert from Meredith & Son

Births – to Sophie (nee Berry), wife of Thomas Hailwood, a daughter, Victoria Jean; to Doreen (nee Babb), wife of Alec Morris, a son; to Anne (nee Finnamore), wife of C A Pickard, a sister for Michael.

Engagement – Pte Charles Long, ACC, REME Camp, Instow, and Joan Norman, second granddaughter of Willliam Morrish, The Smithy, Eastleigh.

Marriages – Margery Doreen Taylor, Blacksmith’s Arms, Bideford, to Leonard Davey; Frederick Reed, Seaman, First Class, US Navy, to Agnes Lewis of New Street, Bideford; Ronald Slade, Capt, RAC, of Bridgeland Street, Bideford, to Patricia Verbeeck; Edna May Lamey of Trelawney, Appledore, and Leading Seaman George William Tonge.

Improved ‘bus services throughout the district were urged by members at the recent meeting of Torrington Rural District Council. The matter arose on a letter from Alverdiscott Parish Council, urging the need for a ‘bus service to meet the requirements of the parishioners of Alverdiscott and Huntshaw.

An extremely useful place in the social life of the township is filled by the 1^st Appledore Company of the Boys’ Brigade, who, with boys from the Bideford and Torrington Companies, left of one week’s camp at Combe Martin. Their camping site is just on the outskirts of the town and is ideal. The whole camp is under the command of Capt J E Boyles (Appledore) with Lt F Gates as adjutant and Lt R Harris as Quartermaster. Capt R J Arnold (Bideford) is second-in-command. The influence of the Appledore Company can be gauged by the fact that in a parish of 3,000 population, the Company numbers over eighty, and that boys are joining as soon as they are old enough.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) evening at Bideford Pannier Market a dance will be held at which, by popular vote, a Carnival Queen will be chosen to preside over Bideford Hospital Carnival Committee’s Children’s Carnival which is to take place on August 29^th.

Mr C W Stephenson, M.Sc. (Sheffield), B.Sc. (London), who commences his duties as headmaster of Bideford Grammar School with the coming autumn term, is a Leicestershire man aged 39.

Mr Wilfred Pickard, of Pilatus, High Street, Bideford, whose death occurred on Sunday, will be missed by a wide circle of friends, and masonic, sporting and other public bodies to which he had given devoted services. Aged 60, Mr Pickard had been in ill-health for a considerable time but his passing was sudden and unexpected. The second son of the late Mr and Mrs W H Pickard, he carried on with his brother, Mr A Pickard, the family business of painters and decorators founded by his late father. An Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, it was his delight to serve the school in after years as a Governor and he was a past chairman of the governing body.

A ‘Meet the Ladies’ concert party at Bradworthy.

Hartland – On Sunday evening, August 12^th, Rev J L Nix, of Plymouth, who was spending his holiday at Tiverton, visited his old Methodist Church here. By special request of Rev Philip Bryant, the appointed preacher, Mr Nix took the concluding part of the services, preaching a sermon on “They rehearsed together.”

In connection with the Holsworthy Welcome Home Fund, a billiard and snooker exhibition, organised by the Holsworthy Men’s Institute, was played on Thursday, August 9^th, between Mr Bert Cottle (seven times British Army billiard champion) and Mr W J L Symons, of Bideford. The former was successful in the billiards by 750 to 490, and Mr Symons won the snooker frame by 57 to 30. Both games were much enjoyed by the spectators. Mr M Jeffrey, who marked the billiards, and Mr A Yelland (president) were responsible for the arrangements.

Institution of new Rector at Holsworthy Parish Church – Rev Edward Royle.

Each stall and every competition was fully occupied at the fete held at Cleftridge, Durrant Lane, Northam (by kind permission of Capt and Mrs P W Wootten, in aid of the Waifs and Strays Society. As a result £120 was raised. The weather was in a fairly favourable mood and the neatly-arranged stalls, etc. made a lovely picture in the delightful grounds.

Once again Torrington and District Horticultural Society has staged a most successful flower, fruit and vegetable show in aid of the Red Cross. This year’s show took place at the Modern Secondary School and attracted a large attendance and many favourable comments on the quality of the exhibits.

Dominating the main gallery of this year’s exhibition at the Club’s headquarters, Bridge Buildings, Bideford, is F E Whiting’s magnificent achievement of skill, patience and high craftmanship: the scale model of Bideford Bridge, presented by him to the Bridge Trustees, and which the Westward Ho! Arts Club must surely feel it an honour to exhibit. While there is nothing particularly outstanding among the pictures shown this year, about half the works are worthy of more than casual attention. J Ackland and M S Edwards maintain their usual high standard in their silvery renderings of coastal scenery. Hubert Coop’s No 14 is in his characteristic free style, full of light, but in the ‘Ferry Boat’ though rich in colour, he is not perhaps wholly successful.

Tuesday, August 28, 1945

From the big parish churches of the towns to the humblest village chapel, Torridge-side on Sunday, August 19^th, joined in the world-wide services of thanksgiving for the final victory of the Allied cause and that there is peace again. Everywhere there were very large congregations, including many in uniform, some returned prisoners of war and ex-members of the HM Forces. One of the most popular ways of celebrating the final victory of the Allies was having a bonfire. In many instances these were set on commanding positions so that their glow of good news could be seen for many miles around.

There were large congregations at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, when special thanksgiving services were held. In the morning there were present large numbers of HM Forces under the command of Rear-Admiral H G C Franklin, accompanied by Com Ommaney and Mrs Ommaney.

VJ Days’ celebrations were comparatively quiet in Clovelly. Bunting and flags gave the village quite a gay appearance while the youngsters enjoyed themselves discharging fireworks. Quite a good pyrotechnic display was given on the Quay in the evening, and the Red Lion Hotel was illuminated with coloured lights. There was also an impromptu dance on the Quay, the music being supplied by a ‘Squeeze Box’. All Saints’ Church was packed for the thanksgiving service conducted by Rector, Rev A S Chandler, assisted by Preb J N Wallis. After this a large party proceeded to Gallantry Bower, where a huge bonfire was lit by the Hon. Mrs Asquith.

‘Victory’ celebrations were held by the residents of Frithelstock Stone and Church Lane on Thursday, August 16^th. A sumptuous tea for all was served in the Post Office garage, loaned by Mr S Squire. After tea, games and races were held in a field, loaned by Mr W Baker, Huskill, and a happy evening was concluded by the lighting of a large bonfire, which kept alight until well after midnight.

Hartland held a VJ tea for the children.

Film of special interest – Flying Officer Roy Short of Bideford.

Capt Ronald Slade RAC, of Bideford, has breakfast with HRH Prince Bernhard.

An evacuee thanks Mr and Mrs E J Fulford of Ivy Cottage, Hartland, and Mrs Pillman and Mrs Hearn.

Births – at Woodpark, Parkham, to Muriel, wife of Victor Bennett, a daughter, Marilyn May; to Ann, wife of Fredrick Devonshire, a brother for Sylvia, Fredrick William; to Mrs D Rostock (nee Harris), a daughter.

Forthcoming marriages – Benett-Cabell; Giles-Ellis; Portman-Oliver

Marriages – at Ebenezer Baptist Chapel, Appledore, Marine Kenneth Allnutt and Dorothy Slade; Lance-Corpl Falkland Glover and Mary Johns, of Torrington; at Bideford, Wilfred Harold Hall to Doris Norman; Luther Huckerby and Florence Ford, of Appledore; Derek Johns, Driver, RE, of Instow, and Violet Glover, of Bideford; Cyril Southcombe and Edith Kemp; L/Cpl Gordon West, DCLI and Margaret Bedler.

Appledore Regatta – traditional event revived.

A contingent of the Royal Navy, under Petty Officer Eagles, RN, formed a guard of honour at the wedding at St Mary’s Church, Appledore, of Leading Seaman George Tonge, RN, of HMS Appledore, and Miss Edna Lamey. The bride is the only daughter of Capt William Lamey, RNR, of HM Royal Naval Patrol and Mrs Lamey, of Westcroft Terrace, Irsha Street, Appledore. The bride’s sister-in-law, Mrs William Charles Lamey, Petty Officer, WRNS, was Matron of Honour.

From forty aspirants to the honour, Pamela Dixon, who lives at Bull Hill, Bideford, was chosen by popular vote to be Juvenile Queen of the Children’s Carnival. The choice was made at a special dance organised by Bideford Hospital Carnival Committee and held at Bideford Pannier Market. Mr E J Day, presided over this part of the evening. Last year’s Carnival Queen, miss Marie Josephine Lester, who lives at Hillcroft Terrace, and Yvonne Horn of Willett Street, were elected maids of honour.

The wedding took place at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, of Mr Cyril Southcombe, and Miss Edith Kemp.

The wedding took place of Seaman (First Class) Frederick Jay Reed, US Navy, second son of Mrs Rose, of Beaufait Avenue, Michigan, USA, and Miss Agnes Melinda Lewis, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Lewis, of New Street, Bideford. A reception was held at the CLB Hall, over 90 guests being entertained. Numerous presents were received, including a number of cheques. The honeymoon was spent at Dartmouth.

Romance and the fortunes of war shone on the marriage solemnised at Bridge Street Methodist Church, Bideford, of Capt Ronald Slade, RAC, and Miss Patricia Verbeeck. The bridegroom, who comes from a well-known family of five brothers, all Old Boys of Bideford Grammar School, speaks French well, and worked for European Resistance Movements before and after D-Day. In the course of his duties he met his wife, who was playing her part in the Resistance Movement.

There was much interest in the wedding at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, of Wilfred Harold Hall and Miss Doris Irene Norman, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs W Norman, of Horwood, near Bideford, and eldest granddaughter of Mr W H Morrish and the late Mrs Morrish, of the Smithy, Eastleigh. The Rev T R Gibby officiated. Mr R Harper presided at the organ. A reception was held at the Torridge Inn, Bideford, where a gathering of relatives and friends were entertained. The wedding cake was made by a friend of the bride, Mrs Elden, of Medland Manor, Exeter.

Corpl L C S Davey, RAF, and Miss M D Taylor are married at Bideford.

Postponed from July owing to the inclement weather, Clovelly’s annual sports were held in fine weather in the grounds of Clovelly Court, by kind permission of the Hon. Mrs C B Asquith, and attracted quite a crowd of people. Music was provided by a radio van and there were various sideshows. All the children were given a free tea and were well looked after by the ladies committee. The officials were: Mr J Cruse, Mr R J Hesketh, Mr J Whitefield, Mr T E Finch, Messrs R Tredgill, J T Moss, J J Headon, Lamey, Daniel, A Burrow, Rowe, Jones, Abbott, Osborne, W T Headon and Bowden. About £14 was paid out in prize money.

After being out of commission for a week for engine overhaul the Clovelly lifeboat, under the command of Coxswain Lamey, was launched for engine test under the supervision of Inspector Osborne, who expressed himself satisfied with her performance, and she is now in commission again.

The Penny-a-Week fund organiser was Mrs S Staunton. Subscriptions from Hartland parish totalled £457 9s 7d. Collectors were Mesdames Bavin, Buckler, Pengilly, Staunton, Woolway, Misses Heard, M Pillman and Thorne.

Senior alderman of Devon County Council, Mr Horatio Higgs, JP, former agricultural seed and corn merchant, and a well-known Methodist, died at Waterpark, Holsworthy, aged 86. Mr Higgs was born at Holsworthy and educated at Blundell’s School, Tiverton. Mr Higgs married Miss Louisa Greet of Bradninch in 1804. His second wife, Mrs Mary Higgs, survives him with one daughter of his first marriage.

The Instow Tennis Club Grounds, gaily beflagged, formed the venue for a highly successful Fete, organised by Mrs John Durnford Slater, on behalf of the Commando Benevolent Fund. The proceeds were to be wholly donated to the Fund, which dispenses assistance to the relatives of those members of the Commando Forces who had died in the execution of their duties, and of deserving causes amongst the wounded survivors. A sum of £170 was realised.

A medal round of 18 holes to handicap was played at the Royal North Devon Golf Club in Westward Ho! in aid of the Royal and Marchant Navies. Twenty-three entries were received and the competition resulted in a tie between Brig J V C Moberly and A J Garland.

Tuesday September 4, 1945

Landcross VJ celebrations commenced …

Instow Welcome Home Fund.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Torrington have recently been attending further street teas in connection with the VJ celebrations. These included at Castle Street and Mill Street, where surplus money over and above that required for the tea was distributed among the children.

Cows had to be milked on VJ Days and the fleet lorries from the vastly expanding Torridge Vale Dairies, Torrington, had to keep to their chartered courses but that did not prevent the large number of employees and 40-odd drivers from taking part in the town’s celebrations. While the huge bonfire on the Common was being lighted, Mr Hearn, the night watchman, was floodlighting the factory, which, reflecting in the river Torridge close by, told its quiet but impressive story of the triumph of a peacetime industry which in war had expanded to meet national emergency needs and with its big modern mechanised packing department had helped to pack huge quantities of food extract for the fighting forces in the Middle East and Burma. This fine factory, standing by the ancient Taddiport bridge, when completed will be the largest and most up-to-date factory of its kind in the country, bringing prosperity to Torrington workers and industrial cooperation for an agricultural hinterland extending to Holsworthy, Bude and beyond.

Births – to Margaret, wife of Cmdr J G Arbuthnott, RN, retd, a daughter; at Odun Terrace, Appledore, to Doris, wife of William John Eastman, a son, Michael John; at the Nursing Home, Torrington, to Dorothy (nee Watkins), wife of Austin Folland, a son’ to Christine (nee Stevens), wife of Walter Heard, a son, William Augustus; to Marguerite (nee Hill), wife of Percy Mills, a son, Trevor Ralph; to Hilda (nee Smale), wife of William Tythcott, REME, a son, Christopher James.

Engagement – Cecil Netherway, son of Mrs E Netherway and the late BSM F Netherway of Ridd Cottage, Weare Giffard, and Betty, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs A Tapscott.

Marriages – William Albert Henry Facey to Gwendoline Nellie Hearn; Lieut William Falconer Giles, RA to Doreen Mary, TANS; Major Geoffrey Charles Graham to Miss Pamela Joan Alexander; Capt Cecil Pullman, and Desiree Hardman.

On Saturday, August 25^th, the 1^st Appledore Company, Boys’ Brigade, with some of their ‘Old Boys’ accompanied by some members of the Bideford and Torrington Companies, returned from their annual camp, this year held at Combe Martin. It is quite probably that this camp will always be remembered as a camp with a lot of rain and a big amount of mud! The boys, as was to be expected of any boys at camp, had a really enjoyable time.

On August 15^th about one hundred children and parents associated with Appledore Baptist Sunday School travelled to Ilfracombe for the annual outing by motor coaches. The day was fine except for a brief shower and a spirit of unusual joy prevailed, for this was VJ Day and the first excursion for about six years. Tea was served for all in the Ilfracombe Baptist Sunday School Hall. When the party arrived back in Appledore at 7.45pm there were many expressions of appreciation for an enjoyable day.

The wedding took place at Appledore Baptist Church of Marine Kenneth Allnutt, of Walthamstow, and Miss Dorothy Joyce Slade, the only daughter of Mr and Mrs T Slade, of Hillcrest, Appledore. The Rev B F Hardy officiated.

Drvr D Johns, RE, youngest son of Petty Officer F E Johns and Mrs Johns, of Quay Café, Instow, and Miss V M Glover, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs W E Glover, are married at Bideford Baptist Church.

The third time was lucky for Mrs Witheridge, 2 Alverdiscott Road, Bideford East, who has just been awarded a first prize (£10) in the national ‘Make Do and Mend’ competition for the best article re-knitted from unravelled wool.

The funeral took place at the Higher Cemetery, Bideford, of Mr William Glover, of 2 Lansdowne, Bideford. The Rev F Hobbs (Baptist) officiated. Employees of Messrs Elliott and Sons, with whom the deceased was formerly employed acted as bearers: Messrs F Baker, P Cloke, A Hambly, R Hearn, C Trick and J Vanstone.

The wedding took place at Bideford Parish Church of Lieut William Falcomer Giles, youngest son of Mrs A F Giles and the late Mr B B Giles, of 5 South View, Bideford, to Miss Doreen M Ellis, only daughter of Mr W E Ellis, a Councillor and former Mayor of Bideford, and Mrs Ellis, of Oakleigh, Bideford. Around 200 attended a reception held at the Church Institute, Bideford. Lieut and Mrs Giles left by car for their honeymoon, the bride travelling in a navy diagonal suiting costume. The wedding cake was made and given by Mr J Wightman, a former Mayor of Torrington, and Mrs Butt arranged the catering.

Cadet Peter Fletcher, RAF, younger son of Mr and Mrs H E Fletcher, of Kashmir, Raleigh Hill, Bideford, and Miss Margaret Lilian Rogers, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs A F Rogers, of Palmyra, Strand, Bideford, were married, the Rev T R Gibby officiating. A reception was held at the Royal Hotel, Bideford, and later bride and bridegroom left for Bournemouth for their honeymoon.

Strand Cinema, Bideford.

At Clovelly, a meeting of the Executive and Working Committee of the Parish Hall was held in the Schoolroom to meet Mr R Cottam, Regional Officer of the National Council of Social Services, and the Rural Officer, Mr Tilsone, of the NCSS. The chair was occupied by Mr J C Hilton who mentioned that the Working Committee had already raised the sum of £750, a very praiseworthy effort.

Mr Frederick M Neale, whose funeral took place at St David’s Churchyard, Bettws, was a native of Clovelly, and son-in-law of the late Mr and Mrs James Jennings, of Lower Village, Bradworthy, where he was well known. Much sympathy will be felt with the widow and family of four sons.

Mr T E Finch, who has been organist and choirmaster at Clovelly Church for over 30 years, has recently retired. He had been associated with Church music for over 50 years. Before commencing his sermon, the Rector, Rev A S Chandler, paid a great tribute to Mr Fince’s loyalty and devotion to duty, and said that the congregation would have the opportunity later of thanking him in a more practical manner.

At St Margaret’s Church, Northam, the funeral took place of Mrs Harriett Heard, of Pimpley Road, Northam, whose death at the age of 78 occurred on August 23^rd. The Rev H Hancox officiated and Mrs S Kelly was at the organ. Family mourners attending were: Mr and Mrs F Heard, Mr and Mrs E Heard, Mrs Slee. Miss E Heard was unavoidably absent.

Lance-Corpl Falkland Frank Glover, second son of Mr and Mrs S Glover, of Sentry Corner, Bideford East, and his bride, Miss Mary Gertrude Ann Johns, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs R J Johns, Mill Street, Torrington, photographed after their recent wedding.

The marriage took place at Chulmleigh Parish Church between Major Geoffrey Charles Graham, RHA, eldest son of Lt-Col and Mrs C P Graham, of the Hill, Weare Giffard, and Miss Pamela Joan Alexander, 3^rd Officer, WRNS, only daughter of the late Mr Norman Alexander and of Mrs George Baker, of Berrimans, Northam. A reception was held at Rocklands, the home of Dr and Mrs Bush. Later Major and Mrs Graham left for a short honeymoon in London.

Tuesday September 11, 1945

No need to tell the Marines, they know how much the children enjoyed the trips on the river in light naval craft on the second of the VJ holidays.

A happy boatload of youngsters about to leave Bideford Quay for a trip

 A galaxy of fancy dress, music and merriment at Torrington’s VJ Carnival procession.

“The spirit of Victory”  

For his gallant conduct on the night of March 7^th when, despite exploding ammunition, he assisted in the rescue of an airman from a Wellington plane which had crashed and caught fire at a spot known as Roundhill, East-the-Water, Bideford, Mr Walter Johns of Clifton Street, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (Civil Division). On the evening of the crash, Mr Johns who is a plumber and gas fitter on the staff of Bideford Gas Co. was at the Gas Works attending a welding class. On hearing the noise of the crash he ran to the scene – a gruelling 600 yards. From an injured airman, who was found just clear of the plane and who was pulled to a safe distance, Mr Johns ascertained that there were others of the crew still inside. Crawling inside a wing he found a hole in the bodywork and on getting his head and shoulders inside saw a member of the crew who had apparently …

Mr R Galsworthy no longer says ‘Good-Night Ladies’.

American soldiers’ behaviour beyond reproach at Clovelly.

Hartland Quay Hotel is reopened by Mr F W Gade.

Westward Ho! is like a blitzed town.

Births – to Muriel (nee Beatie), wife of Marine R J Bettiss, a son, Raymond John; to Edith, wife of Grenville Braund, a son; a son, David Rae, to Elsie (nee Buse) and W H R Johnstone; to Marjorie, wife of Kenneth Kline, US Navy, a son, Michael James; to Mr and Mrs Whitaker, North Road, Bideford, a daughter, Denise Elizabeth.

Marriages – Captain Michael David Beasley and Betty Arnold; Colin James and Margaret Bartlett; at Fremington, Lieut P A Bonett and Molly Cabell; Dennis Conway and Winifred Redshaw; L/S Leslie Tyrrell and Wren Eileen May Bettis.

Hire a Loud Speaker Van from Braddicks Radio Dept. in Bideford. 

Property sale – 57 High Street, Bideford.

At Bideford, the Rector, Preb W N Manning officiating, the wedding took place of Cpl Gordon West, DCLI, youngest son of the late Mr and Mrs West, and Miss Margaret Joan Bedler, third daughter of Mr and Mrs J Bedler, of Bowden Green, Bideford. A reception was held at the home of the bride, where relatives and intimate friends were entertained. Many greetings telegrams were received and read by the best man, Mr Robert Jenkins, RA. 

Congratulations to Mrs Langdon (of the Green Lantern Café, Torrington), whose husband is a well-known Bidefordian, and to Mrs Mather, of Torrington, on their enterprise in starting their new ‘Rose of the Torridge’ café on Bideford Quay to serve …

Whist drive in Clovelly. Organised by Mr R J Hesketh to raise money for a wireless set for the school, a whist drive was held in the schoolroom. Owing, probably to so many folks being so busy in the harvest fields, etc. there was a poor attendance and £2 was all that was realised. Prize winners were Mrs T Squire, Mrs Coote, Mr J T Moss, Mrs P Jones, Mrs Hilton, Mr H Taylor. The MC was Mr Hesketh.

Widespread sympathy is extended to Mr George Daniel of Langtree whose wife passed away at Torrington.

The members of Langtree Parish Church choir were delighted to receive a cedar pencil box complete, each with their names inscribed, from the Rev B Hallowes, late Rector of Langtree, who is now spending a holiday at Carlisle, before making his home with his daughter at Norfolk.

"Some corn lodged and very difficult to cut. Some potatoes badly blighted and some rust in late oats," reports Mr S J Tucker, of Babeleigh, Parkham. Hay was medium, but wheat not very good. Oats, on the other hand, are very good, as are barley and cabbage. Rape, turnips, sugar beet, and potatoes are medium but mangolds not very good. There is POW labour. The general prospects are summed up as very good.

At South Molton Borough magistrates court, presided over by the Mayor, Dr R A Nash, Charles H Petherbridge, rider of a motorcycle, and Kenneth A G Bale, owner of the machine, both of Torrington, were fined £1 each, with special costs, for respectively riding the cycle and for causing it to be ridden without a policy of insurance to cover the third-party risks. Evidence was given by PC W Moore and PC Warren who stated that the cover note insured the motor cycle for owner-rider only. Each defendant was also suspended from riding a motor cycle for three months.

Tuesday September 18, 1945

Frogmen trained secretly at Appledore. People attending the recent Bideford Regatta had an opportunity of being among the first of the general public to see the RN and RM ‘Frogmen’ whose activities have until recently been kept secret. These ‘frogmen’ who in civil life were bank clerks, salesmen, carpenters and engineers, were secretly trained at Appledore to wage a fantastic and dangerous underwater campaign to blast a hole in Hitler’s Atlantic Wall, and in so doing enabled invasion craft to reach the Normandy beaches on D Day. The names of those who led the ten units – four Royal Navy and six Royal Marines – consisting of about 120 officers and men, were disclosed last week as:

Dunlop advertises its contribution to the ‘human fish’…

News has been received that Pte Arthur Powe, of the Cambridgeshire Regt, youngest son of Mr T J Powe and the late Mrs Powe, of Appledore, is now safe and well in India and hopes to be home soon after having been a prisoner of war in Japanese hands since the fall of Singapore. Called up with the 27’s he is a painter by trade, having served his time with Mr Mounce, of Northam.

Before commencing the business at the meeting of Bideford Town Council, the Mayor of Bideford, Ald H W Fulford, who presided, expressed the sympathy of the Council to Cllr and Mrs F T Upton on the death of their son, Signalman Eric Upton, Royal Corps of Signals, who died while a prisoner of the Japanese. The Council stood in silence.

Yet another two brothers have had the good fortune to meet ‘out foreign.’ Mrs Plows, Sentry Corner, Bideford, received a message recently that her two sons, Jack and Kingsley, have met in Port Said. Jack, who is a fireman in the Merchant Navy, arrived in Port Said and phoned his brother, who is a Flight-Sergeant in the RAF, at his station in Egypt. Kingsley was issued with a 48 hour pass and came to Port Said, where they celebrated in happy style, for they had not seen each other for two years.

Thanks to Clovelly from evacuees.

An interesting, comprehensive report on the worthy part played by Northam Urban District Council in the reception of war evacuees has been presented to Northam council by their clerk, Mr F W Hockaday, who is also Chief Billeting Officer for that district. “It is a very satisfactory report” commenced the Rev A E Green. Billeting started in September 1939 and the first of the evacuees were house in the Holiday Camp for a long time. Organised parties of children arrived in November 1940, February 1941 and November 1941, and it became necessary to provide special accommodation for some of these children. No 50 Cross Street was taken and fitte dup as a hostel and a matron and helper engaged. Subsequently Cloverbank was requisitioned. From September 1939, up to the present, a total of 2,358 persons have been officially billeted.

Births – to Edith (nee Heal), wife of S J Brown of West Hele, Buckland Brewer, a son, David John; to Joyce (nee Brooks), wife of M G Edgley, a daughter, Clare Elaine; at Church Gate, Torrington, to Margarita, wife of H A Pringle, a son; at Fordland Cottage, Northam, a son for Marjorie (nee Pooley) and Cpl C H Williams.

Engagements – Jenkins-Miggins; Pope-Atchison

Marriages – Warrant Officer W Eric Bond, RAF, and Gwendoline P Harding; Sergt Henry Davidge, Royal Signals to Winifred Mary Backway; Arthur Nicholls Eastmond to Kitty Arnold; Stephen Gifford to Christine Bowden; at Instow, Lieut Edwin Joseph Gregg, DSC, RANVR, to Desiree; Harold Horsfall and Beryle Oliver; at Buckland Brewer, Reginald Walter and Vida Joyce Mills; at Torrington, Wilfred John Page, LAC, RAF and Florence Audrey Winson, Petty-Officer, WRNS; Sergt Gerald Westrop, RA, and P/O Wren Joan Welch.

Silver wedding presentation to Mr and Mrs Backway.

The wedding of Cpl A Facey, RAF, and Miss Gwendoline Hearn, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J Hearn, of Torrington Lane, Bideford, took place St Mary’s Church, Bideford, Preb W N Manning officiating. The bridegroom is on leave from Italy.

The wedding took place at the Baptist Church, Bideford, of Mr Gordon Frayne, eldest son of Mr and Mrs Frayne, of High Street, Bideford, and Miss Cole, LACW, WAAF, only daughter of Mr and Mrs Cole, of 11 Chanters Lane, Bideford. The Rev F Hobbs officiated. There were two bridesmaids. Miss Audrey Kivell and Miss Gwendoline Webber. The duties of best man were carried out by Mr Stuart Frayne, brother of the bridegroom. The reception was held at the Royal Hotel. The honeymoon was spent at Lynmouth.

At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, the wedding took place of Petty officer Thomas W Gibbs, son of Mr and Mrs T Gibbs, of Beaminster, and Irwin Lee, younger daughter of Mr and Mrs S Lee, of Chingswell Street, and granddaughter of the late Ald A R Adams, JP.

Bideford’s street lighting was mentioned in the report of the Highways Committee in last week’s meeting of the Town Council.

Buckland and Lapford families were united at the wedding which took place at the Church of St Mary’s and St Benedict, Buckland Brewer, of Mr Reginald Howard and Miss Vida Mills, of Southwood, Buckland Brewer. The Rev J F Beamish officiated. The reception was held at the bride’s home.

Both the bridegroom and his cousin who accompanied him as best man were ex-prisoners of war at the wedding at All Saints’ Church, Clovelly, of Pte Ivor Cloke, of the Buffs, youngest son of Mrs Cloke and the late Mr Henry Cloke, of 7 Lamerton Place, Bideford, and Miss Florence Cook, third daughter of Mr and Mrs Dan Cook, of Clovelly. The Rector, Rev A S Chandler, officiated at the ceremony.

In aid of the Parish Hall Fund in Clovelly, a whist drive and dance was held in the Schoolroom. The MC was Mr A Burrow. The prize-winners were Miss Parker, Mrs Shackson, Miss Higginton, Mr Hesketh, Miss Hill, Mr B Abbott. The prizes were presented by the Hon Mrs Asquith. The dance which followed was well attended, for which the music was supplied by the Clovelly dance band. The MC was the Rev A S Chandler and the amount raised was £4 13s 8d.

Mrs Pillman presided over a fair attendance at the Hartland Women’s Institute meeting. Mrs Adam gave a very interesting talk on drying fruits, which had been announced to be by Miss Gunnell. The president, seconded by Mrs Mugford, proposed a vote of thanks to the speaker. Four new members joined. Mrs Prouse was hostess.

The infant son of Mr and Mrs C H Robertson, of Lundy, is baptised Duncan Hamilton.

Mrs Elsie Knowles of Penhaven, Parkham, is fined a total of £3.

Warrant Officer Colin James Bell, RAF, younger son of Mr and Mrs H H Bell, of the Torridge Inn, Torrington, and Sergt Margaret Bartlett, WAAF, were married at St Michael’s Church, Torrington. An Old Boy of Bideford Grammar School, the bridegroom is a Flt-Eng with Coastal Command and is an ex-apprentice joining straight from school. The bride has completed over four years’ WAAF service in Northern Ireland. The Vicar, Rev C J Barker, officiated and Miss M Wright presided at the organ.

The wedding of LAC Wilfred Page, RAF, second son of Mr and Mrs Page, of New Street, Torrington, and Petty Officer Florence Winson, WRNS, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Mr and Mrs C H Winson of Mill Street, Torrington, took place at St Michael’s Church, Torrington. The reception was held at the Church House, Torrington. The honeymoon was spent at Eastleigh, Southampton.

Even if the ward of a hospital has to be the setting for a Golden Wedding celebration, the happiness of the anniversary can be undimmed, as was shown at Bideford and District Hospital when Mr and Mrs W W Wilson, who are staying at Little Weare, Weare Giffard, marked their 50 years of happy married life with a party in the ward in which Mrs Wilson is a patient. There was an iced cake, with a golden coronet on top and it was cut by the matron, Miss G E Dymond. Portions were distributed to other patients who extended their congratulations and good wishes.

Beacon Lights in Westward Ho! is for sale.

Vicosa, Westward Ho! for sale.

Woolsery WI

Eno’s Fruit Salt

Tuesday September 25, 1945

Combined Operations Chief thanks Appledore firm, Messrs P K Harris and Sons Ltd.

Bideford “Welcome Home Fund” week is here. The aims of the funds are, we feel, so well known that there is little need to emphasise further the happy opportunity it provides of expressing a gesture on behalf of the town as a whole to those men and women from its midst who have been serving in the Forces and whose gallant efforts helped to win our final victory on the battlefields, on the sea and in the air. Here is YOUR opportunity of extending a hand of welcome either by sending a donation or supporting the attractive programme of events, or better still by doing both! Remember, there are over 1,200 Bidefordians in the Services who are to be officially welcomed home – that is well over 10 per cent of the population.

As one general put it: “More secrets have been discussed in this room than in probably any other hotel in the country” … this goes for the Royal Hotel, Bideford, which throughout the war years has been the rendezvous of high-ranking and specialised officers of all Services and Ministries in connection with the Combined Operations Experimental station which has served the country so decisively in the precincts of Appledore, Instow, Westward Ho! and the estuary. As a memento the official plaque of Combined Operations has, by the gesture of the ‘higher-ups’ been fixed in the room, and beneath it, neatly framed, is a letter addressed to Mr A T Garard, the local manager for Messrs Trust House Ltd, from Col G S Courtney, Commandant, COXE, Westward Ho!

As outcome of an appeal to the Mayor of Bideford by naval and army authorities regarding facilities for providing refreshments for members of the Services in Bideford on Sunday evenings, the British Restaurant was opened on Sunday evening for the first time, manned by voluntary staffs representing Toc H (ladies), Church Social League, British Legion and the WVS. The restaurant will be open for light refreshments from 4.30 to 9.45pm on Sundays from now on.

Another cable of good news has been received. This time it has come from Pte Stanley Warren RASC, saying he is safe in India. Pte Warren has been a prisoner-of-war for three and half years. He was chauffeur for the late Mr Elwes prior to joining the forces. His wife, of 2 Florence Terrace, Bideford, has also received two letters.

Clovelly – Pte R Cook and LAC F Cole (Harbour light), both from BAOR, have been home on leave; also Cpl L Gist, RAF.

News reached Philham (Hartland) that Lce-Bdr Frederick Beer, RA, prisoner-of-war since February 1942, at the fall of Singapore, was safe and well.

Potato lifting is not what it used to be judging by impressions gained on a recent ‘look-in’ at Pillmouth Farm, Landcross, where a contrivance for flapping out the precious vegetable to a waiting line of German prisoners of war, and drawn by a tractor, makes the harvesting of 10 acres just a routine timetable. Some score of Italian cooperators and latterly, German prisoners of war, have been completing the new river bank, which had been breached, and it is understood a good job of work is being done.

“We have won the war. Can we say we will win the peace? It is up to you to rally around and see that the target of £100,000 is well passed. The war is over but things are not yet back to normal, so you are asked to invest in Savings,” declared Mr B G Lampard-Vachell, chairman of the local Savings Committee, presiding at the opening ceremony on Saturday of Torrington and district “Thanksgiving” National Savings Week.

Births – to Dorothy (nee Gale) wife of Trooper S Davey, a son, Bruce Charles; to Betty (nee Moore), wife of Herbert Geen, a brother for Sonia; to Mr and Mrs E G Hammett (nee G Russell), a daughter and a sister for Mary, Joyce Patricia.

Marriages – Sergt-Major Kenneth Pearson and Eileen Southerden, ATS; Michael Stone of Northam to Miss Mabel Squires.

At Alverdiscott, a collection made by Miss Margaret Isaac yielded £1 5s for the National Children’s Home.

House and shop premises – no 108 Irsha Street, Appledore – for sale.

Rev H C A S Muller, Vicar of Appledore, on Thursday completed 44 years in the ministry. He was formerly a chaplain in the Royal Navy. His wife is a subaltern in the ATS, in which she has been serving for the past five years.

Fernwood, Clovelly Road, Bideford, for sale.

St Mary’s Church, Bideford, was the scene of the wedding of Warrant Officer W Eric Bond, RAF, youngest son of Mrs F Bond and the late Mr J Bond, of 33 King Edward Street, Barnstaple, and Miss Gwendoline P Harding, only daughter of Mr and Mrs J H Harding of Homecrest, Victoria Gardens, Bideford.

At St Mary’s Church, Bideford, the wedding took place of Mr Stephen Gifford, RN, second son of Mr and Mrs Gifford, of The Crown, Eltham, and Miss Christine Bowden, second daughter of Mr and Mrs A Bowden, of the Terminus Inn, Bideford. After the reception at the Royal Hotel, the bride and bridegroom left for their honeymoon, which was spent in Exeter and London.

Rev A S Chandler has provided a long-felt need for the youth of Clovelly.

Stormy seas at Instow and Appledore have sent spray and water splashing over the beach wall on to the roadway, and boats putting off from the landing craft have bobbed like corks amid foam crested waves and breakers. With high tides and the estuary chopped by a medley of motion, current and wind-power, Instow pier has been the vantage point for stimulating seascapes which may have missed our local artists. At Westward Ho! there has been a sea-wall crescendo, and at low tide, the seahorses have stretched out to the skyline, a source of inspiration and refreshment to those walkers who braved the gusts.

At Bradworthy, a successful dance was organised by the WI in aid of the Welcome Home Fund, Mr Worthy was MC. Music was supplied by Miss M Slee, Rev A E Dobson, Mr C Manning, Mr J Jewell and Mr C Cholwill. Messrs Hayman and J Bryant were door stewards.

Holsworthy news

At Northam, the flag day for the British Sailors’ Society, organised by Miss C M Davis, realised a total of £7. Collectors – Miss Vidal, Mrs Hookway, Mrs Palmer, Miss M Hooper, Mrs Blackford.

The funeral took place at Torrington of Mrs Catherine Quick, widow of Mr Ernest Quick who died at Well Street, Torrington, age 70. The Rev J Adams (Baptist) officiated at the funeral service.

Bideford NFS were called to an outbreak of fire at Kingsley Terrace, Westward Ho! where precautionary measures were taken in regard to smouldering that had taken place between floorboards of one of the houses.

Vick Vapour Rub